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5d ago

Ninth Outer Banks Home Collapses After Days of Heavy Surf From Humberto and Imelda

Officials warn of further collapses during hazardous‑debris cleanup.

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This house at 46007 Cottage Avenue in Buxton, North Carolina, is one of five that collapsed within 45 minutes on the afternoon of Sept. 30, according to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, as rough seas from two hurricanes pounded away at beaches along portions of the Outer Banks.
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Overview

  • The latest collapse occurred Friday evening in Rodanthe, following eight Buxton losses since Tuesday, including five that fell within 45 minutes.
  • Large swells and coastal flooding generated by the offshore hurricanes stripped away sand, with waves measured up to 14 feet and surf earlier estimated at 8 to 12 feet.
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore closed oceanfront areas from northern Buxton to ORV ramp 43 and deployed about two dozen staff to begin targeted debris removal.
  • Debris including propane tanks, septic systems and treated lumber has spread for miles, and all collapsed houses were unoccupied with no injuries reported.
  • About 20 homes on Hatteras Island have been lost since 2020, and leaders are pressing for insurance fixes and expedited mitigation while beach nourishment and jetty repairs are slated for 2026.