Mississippi State continues cleanup of residents halls from weather-related damage

14064230-mmmain — Mississippi State University staff members and professional environmental response workers made significant progress in restoring Oak and Magnolia residence halls after both facilities had water damage from frozen pipes during the recent arctic blast. Students began returning to the residence halls on Thursday. Many were able to return to their rooms, while students in rooms with major damage were assisted by MSU in finding alternate housing. (PHOTO BY MEGAN BEAN, MSU PUBLIC AFFAIRS)

Mississippi State University staff members and professional environmental response workers made significant progress in restoring Oak and Magnolia residence halls after both facilities had water damage from frozen pipes during the recent arctic blast. Students began returning to the residence halls on Thursday. Many were able to return to their rooms, while students in rooms with major damage were assisted by MSU in finding alternate housing. (PHOTO BY MEGAN BEAN, MSU PUBLIC AFFAIRS)

STARKVILLE, Mississippi (AP) — Mississippi State University officials say one wing in Ruby Hall will be closed for the entire spring semester while repairs to Oak Hall and Magnolia Hall could be completed in a few days.

The three dormitories suffered water damage this week after sub-freezing temperatures ruptured pipes and flooded the structures. In Ruby Hall, the dorm’s fire suppression system ruptured in the unit’s B wing, causing severe damage. Similar incidents occurred in the other two dorms but produced less damage.

MSU officials originally estimated the damage would displace about 450 students from the three dorms, but new assessments released Wednesday put that figure at about 120.

MSU’s housing department will assist displaced students transfer to other living options.