Rodanthe Faces Devastating Erosion as Homes Collapse into the Sea

Rodanthe: A Small Community Facing Big Challenges

Rodanthe, North Carolina, a quaint little town perched on the Outer Banks, has recently made headlines for some distressing reasons. Since 2020, eight homes have tumbled into the sea due to relentless erosion and severe storms that have battered this community. Just recently, another house — located at 23001 G.A. Kohler Ct. — fell overnight, making it the third home to collapse this year alone.

The Latest Collapse

Local officials reported that the unoccupied home had been considered unsafe for several months, with the surrounding beach already blocked off to the public to ensure safety. Luckily, no injuries were reported as a result of the collapse. David Hallac, the superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, shared candidly in an interview, “Unfortunately, it is all too common these days. I’m actually surprised it didn’t collapse sooner. It’s been perilously perched above the ocean for quite some time now.”

The Ripple Effect

The aftermath of such collapses can be widespread. The remains of fallen homes can be seen drifting along the coastline, sometimes stretching for as far as five miles. Fortunately, the property owner had already arranged for a contractor to begin removing the debris on the same day as the collapse.

This area isn’t just a hot spot for homes falling into the ocean; it’s also infamous for its treacherous waters, earning it the nickname “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” With the latest collapse marking the eighth since 2020, it’s clear that Rodanthe is becoming a graveyard of its own kind. And experts warn that the worst may not be over yet.

Monitoring Vulnerable Homes

Just as worrying is the fact that officials are keeping a close watch on a neighboring house that was also damaged during the recent collapse. Hallac noted that when the first house fell, it took out several supporting pilings from the adjacent residence, leaving its fate uncertain. It’s a precarious situation, with the threat of more homes running the risk of being swept away by the ocean.

Unsafe Structures

Noah Gillam, Dare County’s planning director, recently shared that nine homes had been tagged as unsafe in Rodanthe. While this designation raised alarm bells, he clarified that not every home in the list was at an immediate risk of plunging into the sea. Some had simply lost power because they couldn’t meet septic system regulations. Regardless, the vulnerability of houses along this picturesque coastline is becoming increasingly apparent.

Erosion and Rising Seas

Rodanthe is experiencing some of the fastest rates of erosion and sea-level rise on the East Coast. Homeowners have been scrambling to lift their properties or even relocate them, often at an astronomical cost. This has become a race against time. The latest collapse took place amidst a stormy week that saw unusually high tides, contributing further to the erosion challenges.

The Storm’s Impact

A storm near the South Carolina-North Carolina border caused a surge of 1-3 feet, resulting in significant flooding in parts of Highway 12 and wind gusts reaching over 60 mph. While the storm has mostly passed, coastal flood warnings remained in effect, with water levels predicted to stay elevated into the weekend.

Future Strategies

Last fall, in a proactive move, the National Park Service purchased two homes in Rodanthe to demolish them and turn the area into public beach access. However, with so many remaining properties at risk, Hallac acknowledged that there are far more threatened structures than the government can afford to purchase. Finding ways to mitigate the risks will require a collaborative effort moving forward.

A Community Bracing for Change

The challenges faced by Rodanthe serve as a stark reminder of the environmental issues impacting coastal towns. While the beauty of the beach remains unchanged, the realities of coastal living are evolving quickly. Residents and authorities alike must consider innovative strategies to protect what remains and ensure future generations can enjoy this stunning part of North Carolina.