What's happened
Five homes built on stilts in Buxton, North Carolina, collapsed due to storm surges on Tuesday. A sixth home fell overnight, with no injuries reported. The region faces ongoing dangerous surf conditions, with further collapses possible as storm waters continue to batter the coast.
What's behind the headline?
The collapse of these homes highlights the increasing vulnerability of coastal infrastructure to storm surges and sea level rise. The fact that 18 homes have fallen this year alone underscores a broader trend of coastal erosion exacerbated by climate change. The storms, although not making landfall, generated large waves estimated at 8 to 12 feet, which continue to threaten the region. Local authorities warn that further collapses are inevitable if storm conditions persist. This situation exposes the urgent need for reevaluating coastal building standards and implementing more resilient infrastructure. The ongoing erosion and storm activity threaten not only property but also the safety of residents and visitors, emphasizing the importance of proactive coastal management and climate adaptation strategies.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that five homes on stilts in Buxton collapsed on Tuesday, with a sixth falling overnight, all while no injuries occurred as the homes were empty. Video footage showed homes swaying and breaking apart under storm waters. The NY Post corroborates these events, emphasizing the danger posed by large waves and storm surges from nearby hurricanes Imelda and Humberto, which, despite not making landfall, caused significant coastal damage. All sources agree that the region faces ongoing hazardous conditions, with authorities urging caution and site closures. The articles collectively highlight the increasing frequency of such collapses, driven by storm activity and rising sea levels, and stress the need for improved coastal resilience.
How we got here
The Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands in North Carolina, has experienced ongoing erosion and storm impacts for years. Recent storms, including Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto, have caused severe flooding and accelerated the erosion of these low-lying structures. Many homes built on stilts are vulnerable to storm surges, especially during hurricanes and tropical storms, which have become more intense due to climate change.
Go deeper
Common question
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How Are Hurricanes Causing Coastal Erosion and Home Collapses in the US?
Recent hurricanes and storm surges have led to significant coastal erosion and the collapse of homes along the US coast, especially in vulnerable areas like the Outer Banks. Many residents and experts are concerned about the increasing frequency of these events and what they mean for the future. Below, we answer common questions about how hurricanes impact coastlines, the risks involved, and what can be done to stay safe.
More on these topics
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North Carolina is a state in the southeastern region of the United States. North Carolina is the 28th largest and 9th-most populous of the 50 United States.
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The Outer Banks are a 200-mile string of barrier islands and spits off the coast of North Carolina and southeastern Virginia, on the east coast of the United States.