Louisiana State University has been working to protect students on campus as historic flooding has left the area reeling.
Although classes don’t officially start at LSU until Aug. 22, a spokesman for the school says 1,429 students are on campus sheltering in dorms, according to The Advocate.
An additional 234 students living in the Edward Gay Apartments on the perimeter of campus were relocated into residence halls due to nearby flooding.
The students, who have been warned not to leave the dorms, represent about a quarter of the university’s total on-campus population. Hot meals are being delivered to their rooms.
No flooding has been reported in the residence halls or university apartments, although some buildings, such as the Student Health Center, have sustained damage.
Move in days scheduled for Aug. 16, 21 and 22 have been cancelled and students have been told to check back with the university Aug. 23. Students and members of the public have been cautioned against coming to the campus.
“Water has impacted some campus streets and buildings, and for safety reasons, everyone who can should avoid the campus and should especially avoid going into campus buildings,” a university statement read.
The flooding has prompted two other colleges in the area to delay the starts of their fall semesters, reports ABC News. Baton Rouge Community College’s fall semester will start Aug. 29, which is one week later than what was scheduled. Southeastern Louisiana University postponed its start to Aug. 22. Classes were originally scheduled to begin on Wednesday.
Overall, state officials have estimated the flooding is responsible for at least 13 deaths and around 40,000 homes have been damaged in southern Louisianna.
