Rodanthe, N.C. Faces Home Collapses Amid Ocean Erosion
The picturesque town of Rodanthe, North Carolina, recently made headlines as it faced a troubling series of home collapses. In just a week, three homes have fallen victim to ocean erosion, highlighting a growing concern for property owners on the Outer Banks. The latest incident occurred on GA Kohler Court, where a one-story home crumbled, making it the second house to collapse in less than 24 hours.
An Unsettling Trend
In a series of posts shared by the Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue on social media, the aftermath of the home collapse was captured, displaying the stark reality an increasing number of homeowners are facing. This was not just a random event; since 2020, a staggering nine homes have succumbed to the relentless ocean, three of which happened in the last six weeks alone. Most troubling is the fact that the home was unoccupied at the time of its collapse, which adds to the ongoing fear among residents about their own properties.
Delay and Dilemma
According to reports, the homeowners had been proactive in hiring a contractor to remove the house before it fell apart. Unfortunately, the project hit a snag due to elevated tides and unfavorable weather conditions, delaying the needed work. As the water levels rise, the local community has received warnings from the National Park Service regarding the potential for debris along the beaches. Beachgoers are being advised to be cautious and aware of their surroundings while enjoying the sandy shores.
Concerns From Homeowners
Speaking to a homeowner named Paul Troy, he expressed frustration over the complexities associated with managing the situation. Troy’s home, which had been in his family’s possession since 2008, had already taken tolls from the ocean. “At the beginning of the summer, we lost 13 vertical feet. We lost the staircase. We lost part of the septic system,” he relayed, showcasing just how severe the damage has been.
Troy and his family had hoped to move the home to safety but instead had to make the tough decision to halt rental activities for the rest of the summer. “We were going to wait and see what the beach did, see if it came back,” Troy shared, revealing the anxiety that’s become commonplace amongst property owners.
Seeking Solutions
The issue of how to best address the ongoing problem of coastal erosion and home collapses appears complex and multifaceted. Troy reflected on the tough position homeowners find themselves in, stating that “our biggest concern was stopping what’s happening right now.” He went on to express that homeowners are often perceived as unfeeling money-makers when, in reality, they are losing sleep over the unwelcome debris on the beach.
Homeowners not only face natural challenges but also the hurdles set by insurance companies and local regulations, according to Troy. Fear of further erosion and the potential loss of property weigh heavily on their minds.
A Collaborative Approach
Local, state, and federal stakeholders have begun to take notes and put together a report that outlines both short- and long-term solutions to the issue at hand. A key recommendation prioritizes providing more assistance to homeowners in various phases prior to their houses collapsing. The aim is to facilitate more proactive removals of structures before they are completely overtaken by the ocean.
Looking Forward
The residents of Rodanthe are undoubtedly hoping for a path forward that allows them to safeguard not only their properties but the natural beauty that the Outer Banks are known for. As local agencies work to find solutions and support property owners, community members are reminded that they are not alone in navigating this stormy chapter in their coastal lives.
