North Carolina’s ECU Issues Early Estimate of Damage from Irene

East Carolina University officials estimate that damage to the campus caused by Hurricane Irene could reach $1 million.

Vice chancellor for finance and administration Rick Niswander said the figure is an early estimate and could change.

Irene left downed trees, broken residence hall windows, battered roofs and damp campus building, including Spilman, an administration building built in the 1920s that houses the chancellor’s office. Irene took metal sheeting off the roof, allowing rain to soak ceilings and walls.

A storm drain pipe broke at Greene residence hall, sending water into the building. About two dozen students were moved to the lobby during the storm. Five students from three rooms in Greene have been relocated to another residence hall for a few weeks while permanent repairs are made.