Buxton, North Carolina, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Residents in Buxton, North Carolina, express rising fears over coastal erosion and recent home collapses at a meeting with state officials. With ten home collapses since late September, urgency for change is palpable as concerns grow about the limitations of the National Flood Insurance Program. While Rep. Greg Murphy introduces a bipartisan bill aimed at reforming insurance payout policies, residents remain skeptical about effective regulatory changes. Dare County pledges future beach nourishment projects, highlighting a community’s struggle for safety amid environmental threats.
Buxton, North Carolina Residents Raise Alarm on Coastal Erosion and Home Collapses
Approximately two dozen residents convened at Fatty’s Eatery in Buxton, North Carolina, to voice their concerns over coastal erosion and the recent collapse of homes in the area during a meeting with North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey. This gathering comes on the heels of the tragic collapse of the tenth home in Buxton since late September, an event that has heightened fears among residents about the safety of their own properties and the sustainability of their community.
Many attendees shared their stories with Commissioner Causey, who listened intently as long-time residents detailed the escalating issues related to rising sea levels and severe coastal erosion affecting the region. One resident highlighted that more than two dozen homes are currently at risk from encroaching ocean waters, emphasizing the urgency for action.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insures homeowners in Buxton, but residents are troubled by the policy’s limitations. Homeowners can only receive insurance payouts after their homes collapse, which residents feel is insufficient. Some community members described the escalating situation as an environmental disaster that could potentially be mitigated through proactive measures.
Commissioner Causey conveyed his understanding of the dire issues facing residents but clarified that, while he does not have the power to independently change insurance regulations, he will work to advocate for the community’s needs with state and federal lawmakers. He stressed the importance of raising awareness about the ongoing erosion crisis among decision-makers.
In response to these issues, Representative Greg Murphy has introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at reforming NFIP payout policies for homes vulnerable to oceanfront threats. Key provisions of Murphy’s 2024 bill include authorizing NFIP payouts for structures that are condemned due to chronic erosion or flooding, providing advance payouts for demolition or relocation up to 40% of the home’s value or $250,000, and creating incentives for proactive measures to prevent further property collapses.
Despite the potential for change, there is a sense of skepticism among residents concerning the insurance industry’s influence on the regulatory environment. Community members, along with the Buxton Civic Association, continue to push for necessary changes to protect their homes and ensure their future safety.
While community members express anxiety about their prospects, Dare County officials reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the area. Plans for a beach nourishment project and jetty repairs are scheduled for 2026, aimed at addressing ongoing erosion issues. Reports state that since mid-September alone, nearly a dozen homes in the Outer Banks have succumbed to collapse due to external environmental pressures, including hurricanes and storms. Furthermore, the National Park Service has documented over 20 homes lost in the region since 2020, primarily those that were unoccupied at the time of collapse.
The meeting between Buxton residents and Commissioner Causey provided a critical platform for shared experiences and discussions about the pressing need for systemic change regarding coastal erosion and home safety. As the community advocates for protective measures, they remain hopeful for future relief and support in safeguarding their homes.
FAQs
- How many homes have collapsed in Buxton since September?
- Ten homes have collapsed in Buxton since late September.
- What is the role of the National Flood Insurance Program regarding home collapses?
- Homeowners insured under the National Flood Insurance Program can only collect insurance payouts after their homes collapse.
- What is the focus of Rep. Greg Murphy’s bipartisan bill introduced in 2024?
- The bipartisan bill aims to change NFIP payout policies for threatened oceanfront homes.
- What key provisions are included in Murphy’s bill?
- The bill includes provisions for authorized NFIP payouts for condemned structures, advance payouts for demolition or relocation, payout limitations if homeowners neglect to act before a collapse, enhanced clarity for damage attribution, and incentives for proactive demolition or relocation.
- What future plans do local authorities have to combat coastal erosion?
- Dare County has plans for a beach nourishment project and jetty repairs scheduled for 2026.
Key Features of the Meeting and Legislative Response
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Collapsed Homes | Ten homes have collapsed since late September. |
| Community Concerns | Rising sea levels and erosion threatening over two dozen homes. |
| Insurance Program | Homeowners are limited to payouts after home collapse under NFIP. |
| New Legislative Bill | Representative Greg Murphy introduced a bipartisan bill addressing insurance payouts. |
| Future Plans | Dare County’s upcoming beach nourishment project and jetty repairs set for 2026. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Record House Collapses Along North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Homes in Buxton, NC Collapse Amidst Hurricane Swells
Buxton, North Carolina Faces Multiple Home Collapses
Buxton, N.C. Home Collapse Highlights Erosion Crisis
Nor’easter Threatens Homes in North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Coastal Erosion Claims Nine Homes Along Outer Banks
Additional Resources
- WRAL: Buxton Home Collapse
- News Observer: Coastal Erosion in North Carolina
- Fox Weather: 11th Home Collapses in Outer Banks
- USA Today: North Carolina Coastal Home Collapses
- Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
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