Thu Sep 26 15:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Beach Houses Crumble into the Ocean as Erosion Devours North Carolina Coastline
**Rodanthe, NC (AP)** – A relentless battle against the encroaching Atlantic is playing out in the small North Carolina village of Rodanthe, where 10 homes have succumbed to ocean erosion since 2020, with three collapsing since Friday alone. The latest victim, a house nicknamed “Front Row Seats,” succumbed to the waves on Tuesday afternoon as its pilings buckled and the structure, now just debris, was swept out to sea.
This slow-motion catastrophe, a consequence of both natural erosion and accelerating climate change, poses a formidable challenge for the community and exemplifies a growing national problem. Experts warn that barrier islands like the Outer Banks, where Rodanthe resides, are inherently vulnerable due to their shifting nature. What was once a safe distance from the ocean is now a precarious existence for many homes, some built decades ago when erosion rates were less severe.
The iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, originally situated 1,500 feet from the ocean, serves as a stark reminder of the dramatic changes taking place. By 1919, the lighthouse was only 300 feet from the sea, necessitating its relocation to a more secure position.
The erosion rate in some areas reaches 10 to 15 feet per year, relentlessly devouring the sandy beaches, dunes, and ultimately, the foundations of beachfront homes. As the water inches closer, waves slowly erode the pilings supporting the houses, leaving them vulnerable and eventually leading to their collapse.
The implications of these collapses are multifaceted. Beyond the tragic loss of homes and property, the debris scattered along the coast poses a significant safety hazard to beachgoers. Furthermore, environmental concerns arise from potential contamination from septic tanks and other sources.
While local and state officials have implemented coastal development rules since the 1970s, these regulations were established during a period of significantly less erosion. As the problem intensifies, solutions are urgently needed, but they come at a considerable cost.
Hauling in dredged sand, a potential solution, could cost upwards of $40 million for Rodanthe alone, a significant burden for a small community. Other options, such as buyouts, relocations, or demolition, are similarly expensive and face limited funding.
Congressman Greg Murphy (R-NC) has introduced legislation to allocate federal flood insurance funds towards the demolition or relocation of vulnerable homes before they collapse, a step towards addressing this national crisis.
As sea levels rise and erosion continues, this struggle to preserve coastal communities from the relentless force of nature is not confined to Rodanthe or North Carolina. Similar challenges exist across the nation, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions and increased investment in protecting these vulnerable areas.
First Piper 