Video Captures Outer Banks Home Collapsing Into Ocean
In a scene captured on video that has since garnered nationwide attention, a dwelling in the Outer Banks community of Rodanthe, located on Hatteras Island in North Carolina, tumbled into the ocean. The collapse, caused by the robust waves that arose as a result of Hurricane Ernesto, is serving as a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change and the vulnerability of coastal communities.
Home Collapse Witnessed in North Carolina
The beach house, significantly raised on a wooden foundation, was no match for the powerful waves that relentlessly attacked the shoreline on Friday night. According to reports, the area around the house was deserted at the time and, gratefully, no injuries were reported as a result of the collapse.
NBC News reported that this is not an isolated incident, as it marks the seventh structural failure occurring along the state’s National Seashore beaches over the past four years, as confirmed by the National Park Service. Climate change and extreme weather conditions are being blamed for accelerated shoreline erosion, which in turn is causing the collapse of these coastal homes.
Climate Change and Worsening Storms
The changing global climate, often cited as responsible for intensifying storms and causing sea levels to rise, is highlighted as the main culprit in these tragic incidents. More than just the loss of property, these collapses threaten the local ecosystem, leading to the contamination of the sea and destruction of local wildlife habitats due to the debris generated from these collapses.
Continuing Threat from Hurricane Ernesto
As Hurricane Ernesto continues to churn, it is still causing dangerous beach conditions and elevated sea levels in the Outer Banks. Projections suggest that these conditions will last into the coming week, prompting authorities to issue a warning to visitors and residents to avoid the beaches until it is safe, and cleanup has been conducted.
The National Park Service (NPS) has released a statement warning that “many other homes appear to have sustained damages in the Rodanthe area. Dangerous debris may be present on the beach and in the water for more than a dozen miles.” The service has already purchased and subsequently demolished two houses deemed at risk of collapsing in this region.
