FORT SMITH (KFSM) — Floodwaters damaged a dormitory at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith early Saturday morning.
Rachel Putman, interim director of public information at UAFS, said Building Four of the Sebastian Commons dormitory complex took on 1-2 inches of water inside the building early Saturday. It was the only one of the seven in the complex to take on water.
Students in the apartments in Building Four were evacuated to new apartments in the Commons.
“Though the relocation is temporary, if the students would like to make the move permanent, we will certainly allow them to do so to minimize disruption and stress,” said UAFS Director of Housing and residential life Beth Eppinger.
Eppinger said she has never seen a building flood in the Commons due to rain before.
Putman said Service Master Clean is already onsite to clean up the affected rooms in the building.
“Everyone has been very patient and understanding with the process,” said Eppinger. “This community and this campus are resilient, and we will continue to support our students every way we can during this process.”
The water has receded, but debris remains in the parking lot. Tree limbs, a fallen portable toilet and other debris covered the lot, but cleanup is underway.