Two Outer Banks homes have crashed into the ocean within a 24-hour span, NC park says
For the second time in 24 hours, someone’s home collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean along North Carolina’s Outer Banks, according to the National Park Service.
The latest, at 23009 G. A. Kohler Court in Rodanthe, fell around 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, Cape Hatteras National Seashore reports.
It happened just hours after a home at 23001 G A Kohler Court broke apart and washed out to sea.
Neither was occupied at the time, officials say.
“Rangers arrived on scene and confirmed that the unoccupied, one-story house ... had collapsed and apparently washed out into the ocean before the bulk of it returned to the beach at the south end of G A Kohler Court,” park officials said in a news release.
“Due to potentially dangerous debris on the beach and in the water to the north and south of the collapse site, temporary beach closures for public safety may be necessary.”
The latest collapse was predicted, due to severe beach erosion that has claimed four homes this year on the fragile barrier island.
In all, nine homes have fallen into the Atlantic over the past four years, and each has spread hazardous debris and nail-ridden wood more than 10 miles along the coast.
No injuries have been reported in the incidents.
“The seashore is in communications with the property owner of 23009 G A Kohler Court and expects a contractor to be secured for debris cleanup,” the park said.
“National Park Service staff will be on the beach again today to assist with moving debris above the high tide line. As of yesterday afternoon, varying levels of debris associated with the collapse of 23001 G A Kohler Court were observed approximately nine miles to the south of the collapse site.”
The beach at Rodanthe is eroding due to a combination of factors, including rising sea levels, experts say.
This story was originally published September 21, 2024 at 7:49 AM with the headline "Two Outer Banks homes have crashed into the ocean within a 24-hour span, NC park says."