More than 100 Morehouse students forced out of 130-year-old dorm by flooding

ATLANTA — Almost 110 Morehouse College students were forced out of their dorm Tuesday night after a flood damaged the school's oldest dorm.

Morehouse residence officials said the flooding began around 11:22 p.m. at Graves Hall, which is over 130 years old, and severely impacted 15 rooms.

Channel 2's Rikki Klaus learned the flooding started because of an issue with the sprinkler system. The building was evacuated as water spread to other rooms and common areas.

"I had to find a friend. I stayed on his couch last night," Drequan Chisholm told Klaus.

TRENDING STORIES

• 1 dead, 15 taken to hospital after gas explosion causes building collapse in NC
• Popular high school teacher ID'd as shooter who killed man in Dunwoody
• Target employee tied up during armed robbery near metro Atlanta mall

Photos shared with Klaus showed exposed ceilings along with debris and dirt on the students' beds and personal belongings.

"There’s really nothing salvageable in his room, so I just kind of feel bad for my brothers. I just keep them in my prayers and help them in any way I can," said Chisholm, whose friend lost everything.

The school told Klaus that 80 students will be allowed to return to their rooms Wednesday but the others will temporarily live somewhere else.

Mile Edmond lives in Graves Hall and quickly evacuated with the other students. He told Klaus his room is OK but encourages anyone who sees this story to help.

"If you all can just donate - toiletries, money, just anything that can really help us, that would really be greatly appreciated," Edmonds said.

Donations can be made by contacting the Department of Housing and Residential Education at 404-215-2634or 470-639-0519.

Information from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was used in this report. 

Cox Media Group