Another Home Falls into the Ocean on North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Rodanthe, North Carolina – Just when you thought it couldn’t get any crazier, another house has taken a dive right into the Atlantic Ocean! That’s right, folks; on Tuesday, September 24, around 1 p.m., a two-story home at 23039 G. A. Kohler Court met its dramatic end, and this time it was caught on video by a lifeguard who just couldn’t believe his eyes.
According to the National Park Service, the unoccupied house was practically standing in the waves when its supporting pylons gave out. In a heart-stopping moment, it collapsed straight down into the water, smacking into another nearby home that was also hanging by a thread. You could hear gasps and cries from beachgoers as the whole thing went down. You can hardly blame them—who wouldn’t be shocked watching a house just topple into the sea?
The Water Decided It Wanted a New Look
Believe it or not, this isn’t even the first time something like this has happened recently. Just days before, on September 20, two homes crumbled within hours of each other in the same area. One home tumbled before sunrise, and the other took a dive just after sunset. Talk about a dramatic start and end to a day!
In videos that have made their rounds across social media, you can see how quickly the ocean can change the landscape. The first video revealed that the waves had totally ripped apart the first floor of the house within just half an hour, leaving the second floor bobbing around like it was in a weird floating contest. A contractor has already been hired to begin the cleanup, and park rangers will be lending a hand in making sure the area is safe again. However, if you’re planning a beach day in this neck of the woods, you’ll have to hold off for a bit since the beaches are closed until all the debris is cleared away.
Coastal Erosion: The Reason Behind the Crashes
The Atlantic Ocean has really claimed its fair share of beach houses in this region—10 homes in just four years! The National Park Service is pointing fingers at the combination of forces that Mother Nature throws at us every day, like strong winds, tidal waves, and, let’s not forget, those rising sea levels thanks to climate change.
According to officials, these factors have all accelerated coastal erosion, especially near the villages of Rodanthe and Buxton. In fact, many private properties along the beach used to boast backyards with sandy dunes and dry land, but are now regularly covered by ocean water. It’s shocking to see the environment change in real time like this. Rodanthe itself is about a 215-mile journey east from Raleigh, making it a popular spot for beach lovers and vacationers alike.
No Injuries Reported
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported during these dramatic house crashes, so that’s one good thing to hold onto amidst the chaos. As the cleanup gets underway, locals and visitors alike are holding their breaths to see what will happen next. Will the ocean continue to reshape the coastline and send more homes crashing? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: Mother Nature isn’t going to take a back seat anytime soon.
Keep your eyes on the beaches of North Carolina because they’re shaping up to be quite the spectacle. Stay safe, everyone, and let this serve as a gentle reminder of the ocean’s power!