Two homes in Rodanthe on the Outer Banks of North Carolina collapse on the same day

Two houses collapsed in Rodanthe, North Carolina on the same day, marking the fourth house collapse in the Outer Banks area this year. The first collapse occurred around 9:18 p.m. on G A Kohler Court, prompting a dispatch call to Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Debris from the collapses was observed up to 20 miles away. Visitors are warned to avoid all beaches in Rodanthe due to hazardous debris. The National Park Service is working on cleanup efforts with the property owner and a contractor. A pattern of unoccupied house collapses has been observed in the area since 2020, attributed to factors such as rising sea levels, coastal erosion, storms, and daily wind and wave impacts. The effects of erosion on the villages of Rodanthe and Buxton have resulted in structures being located in vulnerable areas that are susceptible to severe weather events. The significance of these collapses raises concerns about coastal development and the impact of climate change. The National Park Service is actively monitoring and addressing the situation to ensure the safety of visitors and local residents.

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