Beach home collapses into ocean in North Carolina

A beach home in North Carolina collapsed into the ocean on Saturday morning, video footage shows.

The home, located in Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks, had been slowly deteriorating over the past few weeks as the shoreline eroded away. Witnesses said the house was “shaking and trembling” before it suddenly gave way, collapsing into the sea.

No one was living in the home at the time, but the beachfront property was a popular vacation spot for many locals. Neighbors described it as a “beautiful” and “picturesque” home, and said that it was an iconic part of the community.

“It's heartbreaking,” said one neighbor. “It's like a piece of history went away.”

The property owner was not immediately available for comment, but local officials said they are working to assess the damage and determine the cause of the collapse. It is unclear if the home can be salvaged.

The collapse of the beach home is the latest in a series of coastal erosion events in North Carolina. The state has seen an increase in coastal erosion in recent years as a result of rising sea levels and more severe storms.

It is a reminder of the importance of protecting our shorelines and the vulnerable communities along them. Experts are urging coastal communities to take action to reduce the impacts of coastal erosion, such as by fortifying the shorelines with sandbags, seawalls, and other protective measures.

For now, locals and visitors alike will be mourning the loss of a beloved beach home that was a cherished part of the community for many years.