Buxton, North Carolina, October 7, 2025
News Summary
In a devastating incident, eight beachfront homes in Buxton, North Carolina, collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean over a 72-hour period due to rough surf and coastal flooding from Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto. Fortunately, all homes were vacant and no injuries occurred. Cleanup efforts are currently underway, as concerns grow regarding environmental hazards from debris. This crisis highlights the urgent issue of coastal erosion affecting the Outer Banks, where a total of 21 homes have collapsed in the last five years, prompting discussions on potential measures to prevent further collapse.
Buxton
Eight beachfront homes in Buxton, North Carolina, collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean within a span of 72 hours, primarily due to rough surf and coastal flooding caused by Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto, which passed offshore. Fortunately, all collapsed homes were vacant during the incidents, and no injuries were reported. Additionally, a ninth home fell into the ocean in nearby Rodanthe shortly after the Buxton collapses.
Cleanup efforts have already commenced, with officials from the National Park Service and contractors from Dare County participating in the removal of debris left in the wake of the collapses. Cleanup operations began on Friday, October 8, and will be sustained based on prevailing weather conditions. The debris removal contractor selected by Dare County is expected to collect debris along designated right-of-ways.
Local residents have conveyed concerns regarding potential environmental hazards arising from debris swept out to sea. To address this issue, affected property owners are required to ensure that debris is moved to designated areas by October 8, 2025. The recent collapses underscore the ongoing predicament of coastal erosion along the Outer Banks, an area where 21 homes have fallen in the past five years.
The erosion crisis is becoming more dire, particularly in certain regions of North Carolina’s coast, where some areas are receding at alarming rates of up to 15 feet per year. Coastal scientists have warned that the debris left from the collapsed homes may pose environmental risks, including contamination from septic systems.
In response to the ongoing crisis, various steps are currently being discussed to address erosion, including methods such as beach nourishment and securing funding for relocating threatened homes. However, there remain significant concerns regarding potential further collapses over the upcoming weekend due to inclement weather and the conditions brought on by king tides.
Since 2020, a total of 20 homes have collapsed on seashore beaches, a disheartening trend that was previously only observed in the Rodanthe area. In total, Dare County officials have reported that 35 structures have been decertified for occupancy since late August due to damage caused by erosion. Amid this critical situation, community volunteers have shown a willingness to assist with the cleanup efforts.
The current crisis not only highlights the precariousness of coastal living in the Outer Banks but also the need for urgent measures to address the ongoing threats posed by coastal erosion.
FAQ
What recent events occurred in Buxton, North Carolina?
Eight beachfront homes in Buxton, North Carolina, collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean within 72 hours.
What caused the home collapses in Buxton?
The collapses were due to rough surf and coastal flooding caused by Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto, which passed offshore.
Were there any injuries reported during the incidents?
All collapsed homes were vacant at the time of the incidents, and no injuries were reported.
When did cleanup efforts begin after the collapses?
Cleanup for debris started on Friday, October 8, and will continue based on weather conditions.
How many homes have fallen on the Outer Banks in the last five years?
The recent collapses highlighted ongoing issues; 21 homes have fallen on the Outer Banks in the past five years.
What environmental concerns were raised by local residents?
Local residents expressed concerns about environmental hazards from debris swept out to sea.
What actions are being discussed to combat coastal erosion?
Steps are being discussed to address erosion, including beach nourishment and funding for relocating threatened homes.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Buxton, North Carolina |
| Number of Homes Collapsed | 8 in Buxton, 1 in Rodanthe |
| Causes of Collapse | Rough surf and flooding from Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto |
| No. of Homes Fallen Since 2020 | 20 on seashore beaches |
| Overall Erosion Impact | 21 homes in Outer Banks in the last 5 years |
| Environmental Concerns | Risks of contamination from septic systems |
| Clean-Up Progress | Began October 8, 2023, based on weather conditions |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
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
Additional Resources
- 13 News Now
- Google Search: Buxton North Carolina collapse
- Fox Weather
- Wikipedia: Outer Banks
- WRAL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- WTKR
- Google News: Buxton North Carolina cleanup
- Fox Weather Photos
- Google Scholar: Coastal erosion North Carolina
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.
