Hurricane Ernesto Causes Significant Damage in Rodanthe, North Carolina: Houses Collapse, Erosion Efforts Initiated

House floating amid ocean debris

Hurricane Ernesto Wreaks Havoc in Rodanthe, North Carolina

Another Home Lost to the Ocean

RODANTHE, N.C. — Recent storms from Hurricane Ernesto have caused serious damage along the Outer Banks, most notably in Rodanthe, where at least one home has succumbed to the ocean’s relentless waves. Video footage captured by local emergency services shows a striking image of a whole house floating in the surf, surrounded by debris that now litters the beach.

Warnings Issued by Local Authorities

First responders, including the Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue, have taken to social media to warn residents and visitors against entering the ocean due to hazardous debris that may be floating nearby. “Please do not enter the ocean as the debris will be washing around for the next few days,” they cautioned.

The Collapse Trend Continues

The sight of homes collapsing into the ocean has become a disturbing trend in this area. In just the past four years, six homes have similarly collapsed in Rodanthe, posing various risks not only to community members but also to the local environment. As these homes fall victim to beach erosion, the repercussions are felt far and wide.

Efforts to Combat Erosion

In response to the ongoing issue, the Superintendent of the National Park Service at Cape Hatteras initiated a new pilot program aimed at purchasing endangered homes to prevent further losses and restore the beach. “We had to have willing sellers’ houses that were essentially in the ocean at high tide every day,” explained David Hullac from the U.S. National Park Service. “We found the money to purchase those properties, removed the houses completely, and restored the beach.”

So far, two homes have been successfully bought and demolished, with plans for additional funding from the state to expand this program. “If we went out to that location today, you wouldn’t have much to see because it would just be a beautiful beach,” Hullac added, highlighting the positive impact of removing these vulnerable structures.

Community Impact and Future Concerns

The frequency of home collapses in this environment continues to raise concerns about community safety and the future of coastal living. As Hurricane Ernesto and other storms intensify, the Outer Banks faces the challenge of adapting to a changing landscape.