Buxton, North Carolina, October 23, 2025
News Summary
In Buxton, North Carolina, cleanup efforts have escalated following 10 home collapses attributed to severe coastal erosion. Local contractors are actively removing debris, with a significant cleanup initiative from Dare County and volunteers. The emotional impact on the community is profound as contractors and homeowners share connections. Despite challenging weather conditions, about 20 loads of debris have been cleared, with expectations to finish by the end of the week. Residents are advised to stay clear of homes at risk of further collapses as the threat remains high.
Buxton, North Carolina: Cleanup Efforts Intensify Amid Home Collapses
Cleanup efforts are underway in Buxton, North Carolina, where the total number of home collapses has reached 10 since late September and early October. The latest incidents have left debris scattered along Old Lighthouse Road, although the volume of debris has significantly decreased compared to initial piles following the first eight collapses.
Local contractors, including OBX Lawn and Tractor Service and Top Dollar Constructor, are actively clearing debris from the affected areas. The emotional toll on the community is palpable, as many affected homeowners are known personally to the contractors involved. These efforts are compounded by a massive cleanup initiative launched in early October, which involves Dare County, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, local volunteers, and various organizations.
In recent weeks, approximately 20 tandem loads of debris have been removed from the streets, with expectations of clearing all remaining debris on Old Lighthouse Road by the end of Wednesday or Thursday. The cleanup is particularly crucial given the difficult conditions, which have included large waves and misty rain, raising concerns about the potential for additional collapses.
The current destruction in Buxton is described by local contractors as possibly the worst seen since Hurricane Isabel in 2003. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore reported a significant collection of debris from the beach, totaling 415 pickup truck loads since the cleanup began on October 3. Residents have been advised to stay clear of houses near the ocean as more collapses are anticipated, underscoring the severity of coastal erosion in the area.
Background on Coastal Erosion and Home Collapses
The recent collapses in Buxton are tied to years of coastal erosion, further exacerbated by the impacts of tropical systems Imelda and Humberto. Since 2020, a total of 20 privately owned beach homes have collapsed within Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Among these, nine homes have crumbled in Buxton since mid-September, while the tally for Rodanthe stands at 11. With the community still reeling, officials have warned residents to exercise caution around the debris and avoid homes at risk of collapsing.
Current Cleanup Status
As cleanup efforts continue, reports indicate that efforts to clear debris from the eight homes that collapsed within three days near Buxton are moving forward despite challenging weather conditions. The involvement of both county contractors and private contractors plays a crucial role in ensuring neighborhoods are returned to a safe state as quickly as possible. The community remains on alert as cleanup teams work diligently to manage the aftermath of the recent incidents.
FAQ
How many homes have collapsed in Buxton, North Carolina?
Since late September and early October, two more home collapses have occurred in Buxton, bringing the total to 10.
What has been done to address the debris from the collapsed homes?
Local contractors have been hired to clear debris from the collapsed homes, and a massive cleanup effort began in the first week of October involving Dare County, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and various volunteers and organizations.
What caused the home collapses in the area?
Years of coastal erosion, combined with tropical systems Imelda and Humberto, contributed to the recent home collapses.
How many homes have collapsed within Cape Hatteras National Seashore since 2020?
Since 2020, a total of 20 privately owned beach homes have collapsed within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Key Features of the News Event
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Collapses | 10 homes have collapsed in Buxton |
| Current Cleanup Efforts | Local contractors hired; debris removal began in early October |
| Debris Collection Status | 415 truck loads collected from the beach; ongoing efforts |
| Community Impact | Emotional toll on community; neighbors affected |
| Warnings Issued | Residents warned of potential for more collapses |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Coastal Erosion Threatens Homes on North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Tragedy Strikes in Buxton as Homes Fall Into the Ocean
Buxton, Hatteras Island Devastated by Hurricane Damage
Coastal Erosion Claims Another Home in Buxton
North Carolina Attracts Millions of Visitors
Buxton Residents Voice Concerns Over Coastal Erosion
Tenth Home Collapses into Ocean in Buxton, NC
Oceanfront Homes Continue to Collapse in Buxton, NC
Severe Coastal Erosion Causes Home Collapses in Buxton
Nor’easter Causes Coastal Flooding and Home Threats in Outer Banks
Additional Resources
- WAVY: Contractors Clear Debris from Buxton Home Collapses
- WTKR: Buxton Home Collapse Cleanup Enters Final Phase
- 13 News Now: Buxton House Collapse Debris Removal
- WRAL: Crews Clear Debris from Outer Banks Home Collapses
- Fox Weather: Cape Hatteras National Seashore Cleanup
- Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
- Google Search: Buxton North Carolina Home Collapse
- Google Scholar: Coastal Erosion Impact on Homes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion
- Google News: Buxton North Carolina Cleanup Efforts
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.
