rodanthe
Newsletter
Coastal erosion in the Outer Banks leads to more homes collapsing into the ocean
A house in Rodanthe, North Carolina, collapsed into the ocean on Friday, highlighting the increasing threat of rising sea levels and erosion caused by climate change.
In short:
- Crashing waves from Hurricane Ernesto accelerated the collapse of an already at-risk home in Rodanthe.
- Rodanthe has lost seven homes to the ocean in the past four years due to erosion and rising sea levels.
- Officials warn that more homes may collapse as storm conditions persist along the Outer Banks.
Key quote:
"The house just sat down in the surf and floated off."
— Robert Outten, Dare County manager
Why this matters:
Rising sea levels and more intense storms are increasingly threatening coastal communities like Rodanthe. Without viable solutions, more homes and ecosystems could face severe damage.
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Newsletter
Another beach house collapses in Rodanthe, NC
A home in Rodanthe, N.C., has collapsed into the sea due to severe coastal erosion and rising sea levels, marking the sixth such incident in the past four years.
In short:
- An unoccupied home at 24131 Ocean Drive in Rodanthe collapsed around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday.
- Officials closed a one-mile stretch of beach to clean up debris, which poses hazards to the public.
- Rising sea levels and erosion have led to a rapid loss of homes along this part of the Outer Banks.
Key quote:
“Another one bit the dust. This situation will continue"
— David Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Why this matters:
As waves chip away at the shoreline and tides inch higher, residents and officials face mounting pressure to adapt. For families and homeowners, it’s a stark reminder of the personal and financial stakes tied to environmental shifts. The convergence of natural forces and human settlement patterns is becoming an ever more pressing issue for policy makers, scientists, and advocates alike.
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Why Outer Banks houses at risk of collapse bought by government
The National Park Service spent more than $700,000 to buy two homes in Rodanthe, N.C. at risk of falling into the sea – as some have in recent years due to erosion. The homes will be torn down and turned into public beach access.
Why Outer Banks houses at risk of collapse bought by government
The National Park Service spent more than $700,000 to buy two homes in Rodanthe, N.C. at risk of falling into the sea – as some have in recent years due to erosion. The homes will be torn down and turned into public beach access.
North Carolina's coast impacted by climate change
North Carolina's coast is one of the many reasons our state is among the most beautiful in the nation, but a changing climate is impacting how our coast looks.
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