News Summary
Severe coastal erosion and rising sea levels are causing homes in Rodanthe to collapse at an alarming rate, with ten beach houses lost to the ocean in the past four years. Residents like Jeff Huddleston have taken costly measures to protect their properties, but many homes remain in danger. A study reveals that a significant section of the coastline is rapidly eroding, while local authorities remain without a comprehensive strategy to address the crisis. Community members voice concerns over the lack of long-term solutions as climate change continues to threaten their livelihoods.
Rodanthe – Homes in the Outer Banks village of Rodanthe are collapsing at an alarming rate due to severe coastal erosion and rising sea levels, which have consistently endangered beach properties and infrastructure. In the past four years alone, ten beach houses have crumbled into the ocean, with four homes lost just last year.
Among those who have taken steps to protect their property is Jeff Huddleston, who, along with his partner Beth Green, invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to relocate their beach house, named “Mermaid’s Song,” 70 feet back from the encroaching Atlantic Ocean. This relocation, costing between $200,000 and $300,000, involved extensive groundwork and raising the house 44 feet in the air. The couple hopes this move will provide them with an additional decade before erosion threatens their home again.
In addition to Huddleston and Green, the challenges faced by Rodanthe residents are worsening. Ralph Patricelli’s oceanfront cottage, purchased in 2021, collapsed into the ocean just nine months after he bought it, prompting concerns about the fragility of coastal living in the area. Currently, nine homes have been deemed unsafe for occupancy due to erosion and flooding since late last year. Reports indicate that 25 other homes are now threatened as well.
Rapid Erosion Rates
A study commissioned by Dare County has revealed alarming statistics regarding erosion in Rodanthe, with a 1.8-mile section of coastline losing between 12 to 20 feet of beachfront annually. A more recent estimate posits that the erosion rate could exceed 15 feet per year. The impacts of climate change, intense storms, and high tides are significant contributors to the deterioration of the coastline.
Lack of Long-term Solutions
The National Park Service and Dare County currently lack a comprehensive strategy to combat the ongoing erosion crisis. However, they did establish an interagency workgroup in 2022 to address urgent issues, such as the removal of dangerous structures and the relocation of vulnerable homes.
As part of the workgroup’s efforts, the National Park Service has purchased and demolished two endangered oceanfront properties as a pilot initiative for future buyout programs. Proposed measures include the provision of grants to help homeowners relocate properties and adjustments to insurance policies for homes that have collapsed.
Infrastructure Threats
The rising risk of erosion is not limited to homes alone; North Carolina Highway 12, the primary road on Hatteras Island, is also jeopardized by coastal erosion. The county has explored funding for beach nourishment projects, yet efforts have faced hurdles due to insufficient tax base qualifications that hinder financing opportunities.
Community Concerns
Community members express growing frustration over the urgent need to relocate homes amid high costs and the perceived lack of available assistance. The consequences of these natural forces continue to drive anxiety among residents, as they witness the landscape of Rodanthe changing before their eyes.
As the village, which was once highlighted in the movie “Nights in Rodanthe,” becomes increasingly associated with the collapse of oceanfront properties, it serves as a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change and the need for timely and effective response measures. The discussions surrounding beach nourishment programs as potential solutions, estimated to cost around $30 million with recurring funding requirements, underscore the gravity of the situation.
Despite the existing threats, the local community remains steadfast in addressing the ongoing crisis, awaiting a more coordinated and strategic approach from authorities to protect their homes and livelihoods.
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Additional Resources
- WRAL: Outer Banks Erosion
- News Observer: Coastal Erosion in North Carolina
- USA Today: Rodanthe House Collapse
- New York Times: House Collapse in Rodanthe
- Fox Weather: Cape Hatteras Home Collapse
- Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
- Google Search: Coastal Erosion North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Coastal Erosion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion
- Google News: Rodanthe Erosion
