Storage areas in the basement of Leverett House flooded for the second straight year, but many students who learned from last summer's accident were prepared and protected their property from harm.

Some students reported extensive water damage to books and clothing placed near the floors of the D- and B-entry storage areas, but Leverett Superintendent Warren Nugent said estimates of damage will be unavailable until all students claim their property.

Floods this summer may, however, have caused far less damage than they did last year. Many students took precautions such as wrapping their valuables in plastic garbage bags, and placing boxes as high from the ground as possible.

The Leverett courtyard Wednesday was strewn with decaying, odorous books drying out from the flood.

The flooding occured after heavy August rains caused the antiquated sewer lines on DeWolfe St. to back up, pushing rain water into the McKinlock basement.

Although leaks found in the basement after last year's flooding were patched by Facilities Maintance workers, Nugent said the backup of the pipes was unexpected.