Buxton, North Carolina, October 7, 2025
News Summary
In Buxton, North Carolina, nine homes collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean following severe coastal erosion exacerbated by hurricanes Imelda and Humberto. The incidents raised alarms over property stability, prompting local discussions on sustainable coastal development and legislative responses. Residents face hazardous conditions with significant debris littering the beaches and concerns about health risks. Furthermore, existing insurance policies, including FEMA’s flood insurance, do not cover relocation costs, necessitating new legislative initiatives to address these urgent challenges.
Buxton, North Carolina Faces Catastrophic Home Collapses Due to Coastal Erosion
Recent hurricanes have caused severe coastal erosion in Buxton, North Carolina, resulting in the collapse of nine homes into the Atlantic Ocean. The incidents occurred within a week, driven by the effects of hurricanes Imelda and Humberto, and have raised concerns about the stability of nearby properties.
The Assistant Professor of Coastal Studies at East Carolina University highlighted the ongoing challenges of managing development along a coastline that is rapidly changing. As rough seas continue to pose a threat, residents and local officials are faced with the pressing need for effective solutions to prevent further damage.
Among the nine homes that collapsed on Hatteras Island, eight were situated in Buxton. The most dramatic incidents included live coverage of a home’s fall captured by a correspondent. The collapse of these homes has littered the beach with debris, creating hazardous conditions for locals and visitors alike.
The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazard statement for affected areas, warning of dangerous rip currents and large waves that continue to threaten the coastal environment. The most recent home to succumb to the erosion was located in Rodanthe, about 25 miles north of Buxton. Since 2020, a total of 21 privately owned beach homes have been lost along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, with nine of those collapses occurring since mid-September.
Buxton is experiencing significant shoreline loss, estimated at a rate of 15 feet per year. The homes that collapsed in this area had an estimated taxable building value of $2.7 million. In response to the situation, local contractors are assisting homeowners by clearing debris to designated cleanup areas on Old Lighthouse Road. However, there is limited financial assistance available; FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program does not cover relocation costs for threatened or damaged homes, nor does it permit insurance claims before a collapse occurs.
In an effort to address these challenges, a representative has introduced the Preventing Environmental Hazards Act, which aims to allow upfront insurance payments for home removal or relocation. Despite these legislative efforts, existing beach renourishment projects have faced funding constraints, with recent FEMA grant applications for Rodanthe proving unsuccessful.
Environmental concerns are escalating due to the debris left behind from the collapsed homes, which includes hazardous items like propane tanks and septic systems. This debris poses potential risks to public health and the fragile coastal ecosystem. The growing difficulties of managing coastal erosion and home collapses are prompting discussions about the sustainability of such developments along the Outer Banks.
Key Facts
- Nine homes collapsed into the Atlantic in Buxton due to hurricanes Imelda and Humberto.
- Estimated tax value of collapsed homes: $2.7 million for eight homes.
- Rate of shoreline loss: 15 feet per year.
- FEMA flood insurance does not cover relocation costs or allow claims prior to collapse.
- New legislation proposed for insurance payments for home removal and relocation.
Upcoming Measures
With the alarming rate of home collapses and the continuous threat of significant coastal erosion, local governments and residents are actively seeking solutions. Cleanup efforts are underway, but a substantial policy change or funding boost may be necessary to stabilize the coastline and protect remaining homes.
FAQ
How many homes have collapsed in Buxton, North Carolina?
In the past week, nine homes have collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean due to hurricanes Imelda and Humberto.
What is the estimated value of the homes that collapsed?
The eight homes that collapsed in Buxton had an estimated taxable building value of $2.7 million.
What is the rate of shoreline loss in Buxton?
The area is experiencing significant shoreline loss, at an estimated rate of 15 feet per year.
Does FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program cover relocation costs?
No, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program does not cover relocation costs for threatened or damaged homes, nor does it allow insurance claims before collapse.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Collapses | 9 homes collapsed in the past week due to hurricanes. |
| Estimated Taxable Value | $2.7 million for collapsed homes. |
| Shoreline Loss Rate | 15 feet per year in Buxton. |
| FEMA Coverage | No relocation costs or prior collapse claims. |
| Legislative Efforts | Preventing Environmental Hazards Act proposed. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dangerous Rip Currents Warning Issued for Outer Banks
Nine Homes Collapse into Atlantic Ocean in Buxton, NC
Ninth House Collapses in Rodanthe Amid Coastal Erosion Concerns
Eight Beachfront Homes Collapse in Buxton, North Carolina
Coastal Erosion Crisis Strikes Buxton, North Carolina
Hurricane Waves Cause Home Collapses in Buxton, NC
Homes Along Buxton Shoreline Collapse into Atlantic Ocean
Buxton, North Carolina: Eight Homes Collapse into the Ocean
Buxton, North Carolina Faces Beachfront Home Collapse Crisis
Coastal Erosion Claims Homes in North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: Outer Banks Homes Collapse into Ocean
- Wikipedia: Hurricanes
- 13 News Now: Outer Banks House Collapses
- Google Search: Outer Banks Hurricanes
- AccuWeather: Homes Collapsed Due to Hurricanes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion
- WRAL: Toxic Mess from Collapsed Homes
- Google News: Buxton North Carolina Home Collapses
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.
