Rodanthe, North Carolina: A Community Faces the Ocean’s Wrath
Last week, the picturesque town of Rodanthe, located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, was once again reminded of the powerful forces of nature. A beachfront house located at 23214 Corbina Drive dramatically collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, an all-too-familiar scene for residents of this quaint coastal community. This incident marked the seventh house to succumb to the relentless waves and rising sea levels over the past four years.
A Starting Point for Change
Footage of the collapse was captured on camera, serving as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that coastal homes face in such a dynamic environment. As the Cape Hatteras National Seashore begins cleanup efforts in the aftermath of the collapse, the reality sets in that this is just one of many similar situations affecting residents. The owner of the property is currently working alongside officials to sort out the financial implications of this unfortunate event.
The Kern Family’s Dream Home
For David and Teresa Kern, the collapse represents the shattering of their dreams. They had purchased the home in 2019 for $339,000, hoping it would become their vacation retreat from their primary residence in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Teresa shared that they are now hustling to complete all necessary paperwork to salvage whatever finances they can from this heartbreaking situation.
The home, built in 1973, was warmly described in its previous listing as a spot where one could “watch dolphins play” from three levels of oceanfront decks. With four bedrooms and two bathrooms, the residence was a slice of paradise, allowing guests to lounge comfortably while enjoying the sounds and scents of the beach. But as stated by local officials, the ocean is slowly reclaiming the land beneath it.
Understanding the Danger
Dare County Manager Bobby Outten explained that the foundation of homes is steadily eroded, and without beach, the soil beneath the house gets washed away. “Eventually when the ocean erodes enough of the beach, then it takes the foundation out from under the house,” he stated, a rather ominous take on the realities of coastal living. With discussions ongoing about the imminent risks posed to more homes as Hurricane Ernesto exerts its influence from miles away, locals are left feeling vulnerable.
Limited Options for Homeowners
As homeowners like the Kerns wait to see what comes next, they are faced with limited options. They can either invest a significant amount of money to move their homes farther inland, pay for demolition, or simply wait for the inevitable while hoping that insurance will cover their losses. Unfortunately, many residents find this process daunting as there are few tools available to combat the issues caused by beach erosion.
A Plan for the Future
In an effort to tackle these growing challenges, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has initiated a pilot program aimed at buying and demolishing two high-risk properties. However, as David Hallac, the superintendent of national parks in eastern North Carolina, notes, budget constraints limit the feasibility of such actions. The collapse of a house creates numerous environmental challenges, including spreading debris along the shore, posing risks to both beachgoers and wildlife.
The Need for Beach Nourishment
While other areas in Dare County have attempted beach replenishment, Rodanthe has not enjoyed those benefits, and the funds to implement such plans are lacking. Estimates place the cost of beach nourishment at about $40 million, which would need to be repeated every five years. Unfortunately, the current budget can’t accommodate such an investment.
A Community United in Challenge
As residents of Rodanthe witness another piece of their community succumb to the sea, they are left hoping for a solution that balances their needs with the realities of nature’s power. Each collapsing home serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle against coastal erosion and the importance of protecting this cherished community for future generations.
