BUXTON, N.C. (WNCN) – At least nine beachfront homes in the past week have collapsed into the ocean at the Outer Banks.
The houses belonged to families for years, but as the erosion continues, homes are becoming more vulnerable.
“These homes used to be dune protected, homes in front of them, and now we’re just watching it all just wash away right in front of us,” one coastal resident said.
The properties included Carolyn Hoagland’s home, which was built in 1984 and the sixth to fall this week.
“When we built, you got tired going to the ocean — it was so far away,” Hoagland said.
She claims that beach nourishment efforts are not lasting. According to Dare County, the last time Buxton Beach had work done was in 2022; new work is not scheduled until 2026.
“Which is a little late,” Hoagland said.
North Carolina Congressman Greg Murphy (R) is working to find a long-term solution by proposing the ‘Preventing Environmental Hazards Act’, which would allow national flood insurance payouts in advance, up to 40 percent of the home’s value.
He encourages homeowners to demolish or relocate.
“I would just hope that those individuals who have threatened structures would understand that they have an obligation to the community to take those houses down if they are threatened before they become an environmental hazard. That’s just the neighborly thing to do,” Murphy said.
Since 2020, a total of 21 homes have collapsed into the ocean along North Carolina beaches.
Haylee Kennedy
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