Photo by: @nichollsstate/instagram

Nicholls Storm Closure Update graphic

Nicholls State University began assessing damage from Hurricane Francine at 9 a.m. on Thursday, but is awaiting information from Entergy’s assessment of the region.

Jerad David, Nicholls director of communications said the university’s scheduled Monday, Sept. 16 re-opening date is subject to change depending on if the school has power.

“Unfortunately [Entergy] have not given us any sort of estimate or timeline as to when power will be restored for us,” David said.

David added that with a large number of students and faculty living in the region, it is impossible to hold classes remotely.

Campus Damage

The majority of the damage and debris on campus is scattered branches and leaves, but some structures sustained damage in the storm.

Two buildings that sustained significant damage are Gouaux Hall and Peltier Hall.

Part of the metal roof on Gouaux Hall was “peeled off and flung” in front of the building during the storm according to David.

David added that the building sustained minimal damage outside of the roof.

“There is not a lot of water damage in Gouaux Hall at the moment,” David said. “We have construction crews on site to cover those damaged areas so that if we get rain again in the coming days it doesn’t get in the building.”

Peltier Hall did not receive much structural damage if any, but took in a significant amount of water.

David called the damage to Peltier Hall “concerning” because so many students have classes in the building.

Efforts to clean the damage began earlier today.

“We have a crew coming in to mitigate that, they are going to bring in generators to suck up all that water with pumps and blowers to help dry everything,” David said.

The University said it hopes to clean up the damage so the building is ready for classes once power is restored.

How students can help

David said that Nicholls is welcoming students to help pick up debris around campus.

Nicholls’ students, faculty, staff and others who want to volunteer can report to the parking lot adjacent to Ellender Memorial Library at 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 13.

Work gloves will be provided to volunteers who do not have their own.

“If [volunteers] want to go out and help pile up branches for the collection crews to pick up that would be a huge help,” David said.

Follow @thenichollsworth on Instagram and Facebook or check our website for updates on the aftermath of Hurricane Francine.