BUXTON, N.C. (AP) - A beachfront stilt home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina has collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, marking the twelfth house lost to the sea in the region over the past five years. The incident occurred on a Tuesday afternoon, with reports indicating that the two-story, wood-shingled structure was located at the northern end of Hatteras Island and was unoccupied at the time of its collapse.

Mike Barber, a spokesperson for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, stated that the seashore staff responded promptly to the situation by initiating cleanup efforts on the beach south of the collapse site. Additionally, the homeowner has contracted a service to remove the remaining debris and structure associated with the collapse, signifying an ongoing effort to restore the area post-collapse.

The recent collapse adds to a history of destruction in the area, where a total of eleven homes had previously succumbed to the ocean since May 2020. Most of these collapses have occurred in the small village of Rodanthe, known for its scenic beauty and fame due in part to the novels of author Nicholas Sparks. Despite recent concerns during North Carolina's encounter with Hurricane Erin, two beachfront houses in Rodanthe survived the storm's impact, which highlights the unpredictable nature of coastal erosion.

The most recent house to be claimed by the ocean was situated less than a mile (approximately 1.6 kilometers) from the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse, which was famously relocated 2,900 feet (around 884 meters) inland in 1999, underscores the ongoing challenges posed by coastal erosion in this region of North Carolina.

This alarming trend, characterized by the loss of homes to the ocean, raises important questions about the future of coastal living in the Outer Banks. With the local government and homeowners facing increasing pressure from natural elements, the dynamic between property management, safety regulations, and the unpredictable environment continues to evolve.

The recent collapse serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that coastal communities face due to rising sea levels and frequent storms. As residents and officials adapt to these changes, strategies for mitigating erosion and preserving property values will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of community discussions in the Outer Banks.