Ten houses have been lost to the Atlantic in the coastal North Carolina village of Rodanthe since 2020, with three falling since Friday. The destruction, caused by beach erosion and climate change, is a slow-motion catastrophe that experts say has been decades in the making. Barrier islands like Rodanthe are not ideal for development due to their shifting nature and susceptibility to erosion.
The erosion in Rodanthe has been measured at 3 to 4.5 meters per year, leading to homes on the beachfront being threatened by the encroaching surf. The collapse of a single home can spread debris up to 24 kilometers along the coast, posing risks to beachgoers and environmental concerns.
Officials and experts are exploring solutions to address the erosion issue, including hauling dredged sand to eroding beaches, buying out threatened properties, or moving or demolishing them. However, these solutions come with significant financial challenges and funding limitations.
US Rep. Greg Murphy has introduced a bill that would provide federal flood insurance dollars to help demolish or relocate erosion-plagued homes before they collapse. Braxton Davis of the North Carolina Coastal Federation emphasizes that erosion issues are not exclusive to Rodanthe or North Carolina, warning that rising sea levels will worsen the situation nationally.
In response to the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters, including storms and flooding, FEMA is shifting its approach to be more proactive in mitigating disasters before they happen. The agency’s change in strategy is a recognition of the growing impact of climate change on communities across the country.
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