Residents of Rodanthe, a community on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, recently witnessed yet another house collapse into the ocean, a distressing event that has become increasingly common. The destruction was attributed to the combined impact of crashing waves from Hurricane Ernesto and high tides, exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Rodanthe, home to approximately 200 people, has lost seven homes to the ocean in the past four years, with the most recent collapse occurring on Friday. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the house was unoccupied at the time. Officials have warned that more homes are at risk of damage or collapse as Hurricane Ernesto continues to affect the East Coast. The storm is expected to bring dangerous rip currents and high surf, posing ongoing risks to the Outer Banks. Climate change has caused the sea level to rise in North Carolina, particularly affecting low-lying barrier islands like the Outer Banks. The erosion of beachfronts and the vulnerability of oceanfront properties have left residents with limited options to address the threat of home collapse. In response to the ongoing crisis, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore initiated a pilot program to purchase and demolish threatened oceanfront properties, but funding constraints have limited the program's expansion. The collapse of houses not only endangers homeowners but also poses risks to beachgoers and the local ecosystem. Debris from collapsed structures can spread for miles, and the National Park Service has urged visitors to avoid the beaches and stay out of the water in Rodanthe following the recent collapse. Local officials have attempted to replenish the sand along the beach, but funding limitations have hindered these efforts in Rodanthe. The lack of easy solutions to address the recurring collapses has left the community grappling with the ongoing threat posed by climate change and coastal erosion.