Buxton, North Carolina, October 5, 2025
News Summary
In a troubling series of events, eight homes in Buxton, North Carolina collapsed into the ocean over a three-day span due to rough surf from Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as all homes were unoccupied. Residents are now expressing concerns about debris in the ocean that may endanger marine vessels. This marks a continued trend of erosion in the area, with 21 homes lost in the Outer Banks in the last five years. Cleanup efforts are underway but challenges remain for local residents as they await long-term solutions.
Buxton, North Carolina: Eight Homes Collapsed into the Ocean
Eight beachfront homes in Buxton, North Carolina, collapsed into the ocean within a three-day period due to rough surf caused by Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda. The collapses occurred over the span of 72 hours, with residents confirming that all homes were vacant at the time of the incidents. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
In addition, an extra home collapsed in Rodanthe on a subsequent Friday evening, bringing the total number of homes that have fallen on the Outer Banks in the last five years to 21, as stated by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This series of collapses has raised significant concerns among local residents regarding the environmental hazards posed by the debris that has been swept out to sea, which includes large wooden structures and propane tanks.
Travis Morris, a nearby resident, has expressed concerns that such debris could pose risks to marine vessels. Efforts to clean up the area will involve heavy machinery to ensure the removal of hazardous materials. According to Dare County’s planning director, Noah Gillam, the recent collapses are among 35 structures that have been decertified for occupancy due to damage related to erosion, which has been an ongoing issue since late August.
Shoreline erosion has plagued Buxton for decades, with the shoreline eroding by 10 to 15 feet annually. This problem is exacerbated by rising sea levels and increasingly severe storms. The National Park Service has reported that these collapses have triggered public health concerns, particularly with the failure of septic systems leading to spills into the ocean.
A report from 2024 highlighted that 750 of nearly 8,800 oceanfront structures in North Carolina face risks from erosion. This alarming statistic has ignited discussions among stakeholders about potential solutions, including beach reinforcement and the relocation of threatened homes.
In light of this hazardous situation, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff are prioritizing the removal of large and dangerous debris in a cleanup effort which could extend for several months. It is imperative for the cleanup efforts to keep the public away from the area due to safety concerns.
Local residents are feeling neglected by state efforts, voicing frustration over the delayed response to the ongoing erosion issues that have been impacting their homes and livelihoods. As community members await long-term solutions, such as beach nourishment and jetty repairs scheduled for 2026, they continue to face immediate threats from possible further collapses.
High surf advisories remain in effect, as the National Park Service cautions that there is a risk of more homes collapsing due to king tides and adverse weather conditions continuing to affect the area.
Conclusion
The recent collapse of homes in Buxton underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the ongoing shoreline erosion and the associated risks it poses to residents and the environment.
FAQ
How many homes collapsed in Buxton, North Carolina?
Eight beachfront homes in Buxton, North Carolina collapsed into the ocean within three days due to rough surf caused by Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda.
Was anyone injured during the collapses?
Fortunately, no injuries occurred during the collapses.
What are the concerns regarding the debris?
Local residents have expressed concerns over the environmental hazards posed by the debris swept out to sea, including large wooden structures and propane tanks.
How many homes have fallen on the Outer Banks in the last five years?
A total of 21 homes have fallen on the Outer Banks in the last five years.
What is causing the ongoing erosion in Buxton?
The shoreline in Buxton has been eroding by 10 to 15 feet annually for decades, with rising sea levels and stronger storms exacerbating the problem.
When are cleanup efforts expected to finish?
The cleanup effort could take months as Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff prioritize removing hazardous debris.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Homes Collapsed | 8 in Buxton, 1 in Rodanthe |
| Duration of Collapses | 72 hours |
| Total Homes Fallen (Last 5 Years) | 21 on the Outer Banks |
| Environmental Concerns | Debris risk for marine vessels, septic system failures |
| Erosion Rate | 10 to 15 feet annually |
| Total Structures Decertified | 35 due to erosion-related damage since late August |
| Number of Risky Structures in NC | 750 of 8,800 oceanfront structures |
| Future Solutions Discussed | Beach reinforcement, relocation of homes |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Buxton, North Carolina Faces Beachfront Home Collapse Crisis
Coastal Erosion Claims Homes in North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Severe Erosion Leads to Vacation Home Collapses in Outer Banks
Beach Houses Collapsing Along North Carolina’s Outer Banks
First Home Collapse of 2025 Occurs in Rodanthe, N.C.
Disaster Strikes as Oceanfront Homes Collapse on Outer Banks
Eight Homes Collapse in Buxton, North Carolina Due to Erosion
Coastal Erosion Destroys Homes in Buxton, North Carolina
Concerns Rise as Oceanfront Homes Collapse in Rodanthe
Ongoing Home Collapses in Rodanthe Due to Hurricanes
Additional Resources
- WRAL: Collapsed Buxton Homes Toxic Mess
- 13 News Now: Outer Banks Housing Collapse
- Fox Weather: 8th North Carolina Beach House Collapse
- WTKR: 8th Buxton Oceanfront Home Collapse
- Google Search: Buxton North Carolina home collapse
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
