The brief but powerful thunderstorm that hit and created a big mess at Sacramento State, particularly in the University Union, Library and other halls on Sept. 19 may be more costly than first thought, said Donald Tucker, associate director of operations.

Initially, Union damages left behind by the abrupt storm was estimated to cost about $100,000, but now the approximation has multiplied to $400,000.

According to Sac State officials, the university does have flood insurance. It is also anticipated that the damages will go over the Union’s $250,000 and the campus’ $500,000 deductibles.

Tucker said one of the biggest financial hits in the Union came with damaged sheetrock which absorbed a lot of water.

“You don’t see where the water soaks to, we’re getting all the hidden water,” Tucker said.

On Friday and throughout the weekend, dozens of workers from Belfor USA were cleaning up and drying up moisture in the Union and other locations throughout Sac State, said Amy Fowler, Belfor USA project manager.

“I don’t know how long it’ll take, but our goal is Monday for the dining area in the Union.” Fowler said.

Fowler said that there are approximately 50 workers throughout campus trying to clean up and make repairs.

The University Media Services in the Library had some damage to its computer equipment and offices it is expected that staff will be moved to another location during repairs.

Because work is being done so quickly, there are no health concerns and mold has no time to grow, Tucker said.

Dudley Burton, chairman of environmental studies, said that it would be highly unlikely that harmful black molds will grow because the Union is built with material that makes it hard for molds to produce.

Burton also said that cracks in the Union are not a concern and most likely cannot harbor molds.

Tucker said that no permanent damage was done except carpet damage in the Union.

In the Redwood Room, the floor was stripped to make way for the dehumidifiers and its original flooring will be used for now, Tucker said.

“No modifications are planned to be made to the Union,” Tucker said. “We hope the campus storm pumps will do, and it remains to be seen.”

Because storm pumps on campus failed to pump water to the American River and because the Union is a low-grade building, water from the storm was unexpectedly damaging, Tucker said.

The water did significant damage to the sheetrock and surrounding walls in the Union. The food court was shut down Friday through the weekend as repairs resumed.

“I wasn’t expecting this it was last minute,” student Godpen Yang said as he tried to dine with friends in the Union on Friday. “The problem is worst than I first thought.”

After the closing of the pool hall on Sept. 21 it was opened on Thursday and will have new carpet in about four weeks, Tucker said.