UBC and Museum of Anthropology staff responded quickly this afternoon to contain water flooding and limit damage from a broken water main off of Northwest Marine Drive, in front of the building.
Water entered into the main lobby but did not enter the museum’s Great Hall, or other areas where collections or artifacts are held. Impact was largely limited to carpeting in the lobby. No collection pieces or museum artifacts have been affected. The museum is expected to be open in the morning for regular business hours.
The MOA has response protocols in place to deal with emergencies. Water began flooding from the main shortly after 3 p.m., and flowed for about 10 minutes before being shut off. Staff and first responders quickly mobilized sandbags to the front doors to stop the entry of the water, but water did seep through into the lobby area.
Visitors and staff were evacuated from the building as crews responded, and the Museum is working quickly to clean up overnight.
It is expected that carpets will be dried and the Museum will be open for the public Thursday morning
