Another Outer Banks Home Collapses into the North Carolina Ocean
A third home in just a few days has fallen victim to the relentless ocean waves on North Carolina’s Outer Banks highlighting the devastating impact of erosion and rising sea levels on the coastal community ¹. The latest collapse occurred on Friday, with debris spreading approximately 11 miles north, posing a significant threat to beachgoers and nearby residents ¹.
Located in Rodanthe, the unoccupied beach house was no match for the rough surf and swell generated by Hurricane Ernesto, which passed far offshore ¹ ². The National Park Service (NPS) has warned visitors to avoid the beach and stay out of the water near the north end of Rodanthe and potentially for miles to the south due to hazardous debris and flooded home septic systems that can release raw sewage ¹ ².
This recent collapse marks the seventh home to fall into the ocean in the past four years, with many more homes at risk due to the daily effects of wind, waves, and tides, combined with rising ocean levels ¹ ². The NPS has been working to combat the issue, including shutting down routes around threatened homes during storms and relaying concerns to property owners about structural stability ¹.
*Efforts to Address Erosion and Rising Sea Levels*
– The National Park Service has increased efforts to combat erosion, including:
– Shutting down routes around threatened homes during storms ¹
– Relaying concerns to property owners about structural stability ¹
– Purchasing and demolishing at-risk homes ¹
– The NPS has warned visitors to avoid the beach and stay out of the water near affected areas due to hazardous debris and flooded home septic systems ¹ ²
As the Outer Banks continue to face the challenges of erosion and rising sea levels, it’s essential for residents, visitors, and authorities to work together to address this critical issue and protect the beauty and integrity of this coastal community.
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