Rodanthe, North Carolina, October 7, 2025
News Summary
A ninth unoccupied oceanfront house has collapsed in Rodanthe, North Carolina, as the ongoing issue of coastal erosion worsens. This incident, occurring at GA Kohler Court, follows a series of eight home collapses in Buxton. The collapses have been attributed to coastal erosion exacerbated by hurricanes Imelda and Humberto, which generated significant waves along the coastline. Cleanup efforts are underway, with park service staff managing the debris and advising visitors to avoid the affected areas. Local residents are increasingly concerned about the potential for further home collapses as the region grapples with these environmental challenges.
Rodanthe
A ninth unoccupied oceanfront house has collapsed along Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The latest incident took place at 23047 GA Kohler Court in Rodanthe shortly before 6 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025. This collapse marks the first occurrence in Rodanthe this week, following a series of eight homes that fell down in nearby Buxton.
On Tuesday, October 1, 2025, six homes in Buxton collapsed, five of which fell between 2:00 and 2:45 p.m., and one around 11 p.m. Two more collapses occurred in Buxton later in the week, one on Wednesday and another on Thursday. The last reported house collapse in Rodanthe before this week was in November 2024. Throughout 2024, a total of six homes were reported to have collapsed along Cape Hatteras National Seashore, all situated in Rodanthe.
The ongoing issue of coastal erosion combined with tropical activity has made the situation more dire. Since 2020, 21 houses have fallen into the ocean along the Outer Banks due to these factors. The recent collapses have been further exacerbated by the impact of hurricanes Imelda and Humberto, which generated powerful waves that struck the coastline. On Thursday, just before the latest collapse, waves were measured at heights of up to 14 feet.
In response to the house collapses, the National Park Service has initiated cleanup efforts to manage the debris resulting from the fallen homes in Buxton. Approximately 35 to 40 staff members are involved in these operations. Additionally, visitors have been advised to avoid the beach and ocean areas from GA Kohler Court to Atlantic Drive due to hazardous debris in the vicinity.
As of early Saturday morning, a High Surf Advisory for the Outer Banks was canceled following calmer sea conditions. However, local residents and officials in Dare County have been expressing concerns and are calling for enhanced measures to tackle the ongoing threats posed by coastal erosion and the potential for more home collapses in the future.
The Impact of Erosion in the Outer Banks
The long-term impact of coastal erosion in the Outer Banks has become a pressing concern. This scenic region faces the challenge of balancing environmental protection with the safety of its residents and properties. The National Park Service, along with local authorities, is searching for sustainable solutions to mitigate the risks and protect homes in this vulnerable area.
Cleanup Efforts Underway
The cleanup process initiated by the National Park Service involves safely handling debris from the collapsed buildings. This operation not only aims to clear the public areas but also to assess further safety for residents and tourists who visit the Outer Banks. Continued monitoring of the coastline is crucial in understanding the evolving nature of erosion in this region.
What Can Residents Do?
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local advisories and to actively participate in community discussions about addressing the risks associated with coastal erosion. Awareness and proactive measures are key components in dealing with the ongoing threats posed by the environment.
FAQ
What happened in Rodanthe on October 3, 2025?
A ninth unoccupied oceanfront house collapsed along Cape Hatteras National Seashore shortly before 6 p.m.
How many homes collapsed in Buxton earlier that week?
A total of eight homes collapsed in Buxton, with six falling on Tuesday, October 1, 2025.
What role did Tropical Storms play in the recent collapses?
The recent house collapses have been exacerbated by the passage of hurricanes Imelda and Humberto, which generated powerful waves impacting the shoreline.
What actions are being taken to address the debris from collapsed homes?
Cleanup efforts are being initiated by the National Park Service, with about 35 to 40 staff members involved.
What should visitors do in the area near the collapse?
Visitors are advised to avoid the beach and ocean from GA Kohler Court to Atlantic Drive due to hazardous debris in the area.
What is the total number of houses that have fallen into the ocean since 2020?
A total of 21 houses have fallen into the ocean along the Outer Banks due to coastal erosion and tropical activity since 2020.
Key Features of the Erosion Crisis
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Latest Collapse Location | 23047 GA Kohler Court, Rodanthe |
| Total Collapses This Week | 9 (1 in Rodanthe, 8 in Buxton) |
| Wave Height Before Collapse | 14 feet |
| Total Houses Fallen Since 2020 | 21 |
| Park Service Involvement | Cleanup by approximately 35 to 40 staff members |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
First Home Collapse of 2025 Occurs in Rodanthe, N.C.
Additional Resources
- Fox Weather
- WAVY News
- WRAL News
- WITN News
- Wikipedia: Erosion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion
- CBS 17 News
- Google Search: Outer Banks house collapse
- My Fox 8 News
- Google Scholar: Coastal erosion dynamics
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.
