Buxton, North Carolina, October 7, 2025
News Summary
In a tragic incident, nine unoccupied homes collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean near Buxton and Rodanthe, attributed to worsening coastal erosion and recent hurricanes. This has raised alarm about the increasing vulnerability of Outer Banks, with a total of 21 homes lost since 2020. Cleanup efforts involving homeowners and Seashore staff are underway as officials warn of further collapses amid king tides. The situation emphasizes the urgent need for effective coastal management in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.
Buxton, North Carolina – In a dramatic turn of events, nine homes have collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean near Buxton and Rodanthe, exacerbated by coastal erosion and the impact of recent hurricanes. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore has confirmed that all nine houses were unoccupied and fell into the ocean between September 30 and October 3.
Three homes collapsed along one avenue in Buxton, while five homes succumbed to the forces of nature along another avenue in Rodanthe. This unfortunate incident has raised concerns about the increasingly precarious condition of the Outer Banks, a series of barrier islands off North Carolina’s coast that are increasingly threatened by shifting land and erosion.
Data from National Seashore staff reveal that since 2020, a total of 21 homes have been lost to the Atlantic Ocean due to these environmental pressures. As coastal erosion worsens, many oceanfront homes in Buxton and Rodanthe have been abandoned, indicating a growing urgency for effective management of the coastal landscape.
In light of the recent collapses, visitors have been directed to stay away from the affected beaches and ocean areas until debris cleanup operations are completed. Cleanup efforts are a collaborative endeavor involving homeowners, Seashore staff, and community members, tasked with clearing a dangerous debris field littered with remnants of homes.
The debris includes hazardous materials such as propane tanks, septic systems, treated lumber, and various household items. Cleanup crews are prioritizing the removal of larger hazards such as walls and appliances before addressing smaller debris like nails and insulation. This process is expected to take several months to complete.
Homeowners bear the responsibility for cleanup costs, a situation made more complex by past instances of incomplete payments burdening the National Park Service. Despite challenges posed by a federal government shutdown, essential personnel from the National Park Service are on-site in Buxton to manage the situation.
As king tides approach, National Park Service officials warn that there may be additional collapses in the near future. Coastal scientist Reide Corbett outlines the safety hazards presented by the scattered debris, as well as its long-term environmental implications. The collapse of homes also poses public health risks due to septic systems spilling into the water.
Notably, the erosion on Buxton’s shoreline has receded by 10 to 15 feet annually for decades, compounded by rising sea levels and increasing storm intensities. The situation is alarming enough that Dave Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, has emphasized the urgency of addressing these environmental challenges to prevent further collapses.
The area has a long history of facing severe storms, leading to repeated vulnerabilities in the structures of coastal homes. The last recorded home collapse prior to this series of incidents occurred on September 17, highlighting the ongoing crisis posed by natural forces in this delicate ecosystem.
Summary of Damages and Safety Concerns
- Total Homes Collapsed: 9 (between September 30 and October 3)
- Locations: Buxton (3 homes), Rodanthe (5 homes)
- Debris Type: Propane tanks, septic systems, treated lumber, household items
- Cleanup Responsibility: Homeowners
- Projected Cleanup Duration: Several months
Historical Context of Coastal Erosion
- Homes Lost Since 2020: 21
- Annual Erosion Rates: 10 – 15 feet
- Increased Risk Factors: Rising sea levels, stronger storms
Visitor Advisory
Visitors are advised to avoid affected beaches until all cleanup operations are completed and the area is deemed safe.
FAQ Section
What caused the homes to collapse into the Atlantic Ocean?
The homes collapsed due to coastal erosion and the impact of recent hurricanes.
How many homes have collapsed recently?
A total of nine homes collapsed between September 30 and October 3.
Were there any occupants in these houses?
All nine houses were unoccupied at the time of the collapses.
What materials are included in the debris from the collapsed homes?
The debris includes propane tanks, septic systems, treated lumber, and various household items.
What steps are being taken to clean up the debris?
Cleanup efforts involve collaboration among homeowners, Seashore staff, and community members, focusing first on larger hazards.
Who is responsible for the cleanup costs?
Homeowners are responsible for cleanup costs, though past instances of incomplete payments have burdened the National Park Service financially.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Severe Erosion Leads to Vacation Home Collapses in Outer Banks
Beach Houses Collapsing Along North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Additional Resources
- WRAL News
- WAVY News
- Fox Weather
- CBS 17 News
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Outer Banks
- Google Search: Buxton North Carolina news
- Google Scholar: Coastal Erosion Buxton North Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Outer Banks
- Google News: Buxton North Carolina homes 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.
