Buxton, North Carolina, October 5, 2025
News Summary
Buxton, North Carolina is grappling with a severe environmental crisis as nine beachfront homes have collapsed into the ocean due to dangerous erosion. This situation has been worsened by the aftermath of hurricanes Imelda and Humberto. Residents express concern over the inadequacy of past beach nourishment projects and advocate for better protective measures. In response, Congressman Greg Murphy proposed the ‘Preventing Environmental Hazards Act’ to provide financial relief to affected homeowners. Experts warn that climate change may further escalate coastal erosion issues.
Buxton, North Carolina is experiencing a significant environmental crisis as at least nine beachfront homes have collapsed into the ocean in the past week due to severe beach erosion. This alarming situation is exacerbated by ongoing hazardous conditions attributed to the aftermath of hurricanes Imelda and Humberto, which have caused damaging wave action along the coast.
The homes that have fallen are not just structures; they held years of family memories and were once protected by natural dunes and neighboring residences. Carolyn Hoagland, whose home was the sixth to be swallowed by the sea, indicated that the previous stability of the coastline has been compromised due to erosion, and criticized past beach nourishment efforts. The last nourishment project for Buxton Beach was conducted in 2022, with no further work scheduled until 2026, raising concerns among residents about the effectiveness of current protective measures.
In response to this crisis, Congressman Greg Murphy (R) has introduced the ‘Preventing Environmental Hazards Act’. This proposed legislation aims to allow homeowners at risk of flooding due to erosion to receive up to 40% of their home’s value in advance of flood insurance payouts. Murphy is encouraging affected homeowners to consider demolishing or relocating their properties to mitigate future risks.
Since 2020, a total of 21 homes have been recorded as collapsing along North Carolina beaches because of relentless erosion. The first five homes during this recent collapse event fell between 2:00 PM and 2:45 PM on Tuesday, with additional collapses occurring later that evening and the following night. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in these incidents.
The severity of the situation has drawn the attention of local photographers, who have described the emotional impact on the community. High Surf Advisories and Coastal Flood Warnings are currently in effect, with the National Park Service urging people to avoid the area due to hazardous debris left by the collapses. Cleanup efforts are underway, yet residents anticipate the likelihood of more homes falling as conditions worsen.
Experts are warning that climate change is expected to worsen the issues of coastal erosion and flooding, thereby calling for comprehensive adaptation planning for sustainable living in coastal zones. However, the financial implications for homeowners wishing to relocate or demolish their properties can be significant, often reaching tens of thousands of dollars. This high cost frequently discourages proactive measures among property owners.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program does not currently cover costs for relocating homes or provide pre-collapse insurance payouts, further limiting options for those affected. Dare County has been struggling to fund beach nourishment projects, which can cost upwards of $10 million per mile, hampered by a limited tax base in the area. Continuing efforts for beach erosion prevention and nourishment are underway but face persistent financial and logistical constraints.
Key Details of Recent Events
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| First Home Collapse | Tuesday | 5 homes collapsed in first wave |
| Sixth Home Collapse | Tuesday Night | Sixth home fell into ocean |
| Seventh Home Collapse | Wednesday Night | Seventh home went down |
FAQ
How many homes have collapsed in Buxton?
At least nine beachfront homes have collapsed into the ocean in Buxton, North Carolina, within the past week due to ongoing erosion.
What is Carolyn Hoagland’s opinion on beach nourishment efforts?
Hoagland criticizes beach nourishment efforts, stating they are not effective, with the last work done on Buxton Beach in 2022 and no new work scheduled until 2026.
What does Congressman Greg Murphy propose to assist affected homeowners?
Congressman Greg Murphy is proposing the ‘Preventing Environmental Hazards Act’ to allow homeowners to receive up to 40% of their home’s value in advance for flood insurance payouts.
What is the financial impact of relocating or demolishing homes?
The cost for relocating or demolishing threatened homes can reach tens of thousands of dollars, discouraging many homeowners from taking proactive measures.
How many homes have collapsed along North Carolina beaches since 2020?
Since 2020, a total of 21 homes have collapsed along North Carolina beaches due to erosion.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Hurricanes Cause Significant Damage to Buxton Vacation Homes
Additional Resources
- WTKR: OBX Home Falls Into Ocean
- Washington Post: Outer Banks House Collapse
- AccuWeather: 8 Homes Collapsed into the Surf
- 13 News Now: Outer Banks Houses Collapse
- CBS17: Hurricanes Affecting Homes on NC Coast
- Wikipedia: Climate Change in the United States
- Google Search: Coastal erosion
- Google Scholar: Beach nourishment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Impact Assessment
- Google News: Outer Banks 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.
