House on North Carolina's Outer Banks collapses into ocean

RODANTHE, N.C. (WAVY) — Another home on North Carolina's Outer Banks was claimed Friday by the Atlantic Ocean, with help from swells from Hurricane Ernesto churning hundreds of miles offshore near Bermuda.

Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue shared video of the home, in Rodanthe, washing away with the tide on Friday, cautioning viewers and locals not to enter the ocean due to debris. There were also still high risks of rip currents, hazardous shore break, and rough ocean conditions

Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue said no one was inside the home when it collapsed. The owners had cut power to the home last week, the department added.

The National Park Service had also "strongly" urged people to avoid the beaches and "stay out of the water around all beaches and surf in Rodanthe," but said no one was injured.

(Photos - Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue)

Cleanup began Saturday around 1 p.m. after the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge granted permission for cleanup activity. Seashore staff members also found evidence of compromised septic systems and advised the public not to go in the water until follow-up inspections are made.

Much of the beach remained closed on Sunday.

"Many other homes appear to have sustained damage in the Rodanthe area," the Seashore said. "Dangerous debris may be present on the beach and in the water for more than a dozen miles."

This home collapse is the seventh known on Seashore beaches within the past four years. The last one collapsed in May along Ocean Drive in Rodanthe, just south of the pier.

Continued erosion and elevated surf conditions in front of the Village of Buxton, a little south of Rodanthe on the Outer Banks, have caused ocean overwash under many of the homes.

A more thorough evaluation of damage to nearby homes and structures will be possible when conditions allow, Cape Hatteras National Seashore said.

"The Seashore is communicating with Dare County and conducting a detailed assessment of debris and hazards associated with damaged structures in Rodanthe," reads a portion of the Seashore's press release. "Coordination will occur between house owners, rental property management companies, and the Seashore once elevated surf conditions subside, and the full extent of damage is known."