In Buxton, North Carolina, two offshore hurricanes generated significant swells that led to the collapse of five unoccupied homes on Tuesday afternoon, as reported by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Over the last five years, 17 houses have toppled on Seashore beaches, with relentless storms taking a heavy toll on the coastlines of Rodanthe and Buxton. This has resulted in substantial debris and concern, as nearby homes are at risk of collapsing.
Earlier this month, a home collapsed at 46227 Tower Circle Road in Buxton.
As of 3:30 p.m., the Seashore was aware of five other home collapses that happened between 2 and 2:45 p.m.:
- 46001 Cottage Avenue
- 46002 Cottage Avenue
- 46007 Cottage Avenue
- 46209 Tower Circle Road
- 46211 Tower Circle Road
The Seashore said it was not aware of any injuries associated with the collapses.
One resident described what happened as difficult to witness.
“We’re all kind of predicting that some of these are going to fall,” said resident Jenni Koontz, “but I don’t think we thought five in a row.”
“It’s devastating for the homeowners,” said Koontz. “It’s hard for our community to witness. We’ve been anticipating this, particularly after Hurricane Erin.”
The sand is now covered in debris, with pieces of homes scattered along the shore.
“I heard the crunching to the left of me,” Koontz said, “and the yellow house fell, and I got the tail end of it as it was dropping.”
But she can remember a beach that looked much different from the way it does now.
“These homes have been standing for quite a while,” Koontz noted. “Initially, there was a substantial stretch of beach in front of them. Nobody intended to build their house in the ocean. That’s a big misunderstanding. Unfortunately, I feel this isn’t the end,” Koontz added. “I suspect more homes will succumb this week.”
Scott Rozier, visiting the area, had just parked after getting back from fishing when the homes began to collapse.
Rozier explained, “As I approached my driveway, I witnessed the first house begin to collapse. I quickly called out my wife. We watched as a domino effect ensued, with debris filling the water and other structures following suit.”
“When the home to my left collided with the one next to it,” Rozier recounted, “it knocked off the AC units, with freon spilling into the water. When two more homes fell, it resulted in a ruptured water main, cutting off our water supply.”
The beachfront from northern Buxton through the northern section of off-road vehicle ramp 43 was closed for public safety, according to the Seashore. Off-road vehicles using ramps 38 should avoid driving to the south, and anyone using ramp 43 should avoid traveling north, the Seashore said.
Officials were asking people to stay away from the Buxton area along the beach at this time.
And now, the community is left to pick up the pieces.
“I’m not sure how we’re going to be able to clean this up,” Koontz said. “It seems like an overwhelming amount of garbage that has been left here on the beach and the sea.”
Note: The above video aired earlier this month about a previous house collapse on Sept. 16 in Buxton.
