Fallen tree forced Sigma Phi Epsilon residents to temporarily evacuate
Florida isn't the only place where the weather damages houses.
PETER VARSHAVSKY/daily bruin
The Sigma Phi Epsilon house was damaged by a fallen tree during January’s rainstorms.
Repairs to the Sigma Phi Epsilon house are underway after a tree fell on the building at the beginning of first week, forcing the evacuation of the house residents.
On Jan. 10, Sigma Phi Epsilon residents were forced to leave their home when a eucalyptus tree in the backyard fell on the building as a result of record rainfall and wind.
"It felt like the entire house was falling down," said David Graham-Caso, president of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
The residents were allowed to move back in five days after the incident occurred.
Most of the damage was done to the backyard porch area, while one bathroom suffered minimal damage.
"We were extremely lucky. (The tree) couldn't have fallen in a better place," Graham-Caso said.
The roots of the tree pulled out a retaining wall, resulting in several small fractures and a damaged balcony rail that has been replaced, said Fred Genigniali, a contractor for All Around Construction, the company handling repairs for the house.
No one was injured when the tree toppled.
"Everyone was accounted for immediately," Graham-Caso said.
Repairs to the house are in the process of being made.
