Massive Waves Slam Marshall Islands Army Base

• Waves damage US Army Garrison in Roi-Namur on Jan 20.
• 80 evacuated, 1 injury, no fatalities.
• Recovery ongoing, runway clearance a priority; repairs may take months.

In a dramatic turn of events on the night of January 20, 2024, massive waves wreaked havoc on the United States military base in the Marshall Islands, causing widespread damage and prompting a significant cleanup operation. The affected area is the island of Roi-Namur, the second-largest in the Kwajalein Atoll, located in the Republic of the Marshall Islands—a chain of volcanic islands and coral atolls in the South Pacific, situated halfway between Hawaii and Australia.

The US Army Garrison – Kwajalein Atoll on Roi-Namur, housing some of America’s most sophisticated space and missile tracking equipment, bore the brunt of the destructive waves. A statement from the US Army highlighted the significant ocean water inundation, resulting in severe damage to infrastructure and forcing the evacuation of dozens of personnel from the island.

A video that circulated on social media depicted the intensity of the waves, with massive breakers crashing into the US garrison, knocking over bystanders, shattering windows, and causing water to breach buildings. The aftermath revealed extensive damage to the island’s infrastructure, including accommodation, dining, transport, and entertainment facilities.

Despite the severity of the incident, the garrison’s spokesperson, Mike Brantley, reported that only one person was injured during the event. The injured individual received treatment for their injuries at a local clinic on Kwajalein Island, and fortunately, no fatalities were reported.

In response to the crisis, the garrison swiftly initiated evacuation procedures, relocating 80 out of 120 personnel from Roi-Namur. The remaining 60 personnel were tasked with assessing the damage and restoring basic services. Colonel Drew Morgan, the garrison commander, emphasized the top priority of clearing the runway on Roi-Namur and ensuring its safety. Once the runway is operational, the garrison can facilitate the movement of people and equipment to kickstart the recovery process.

The US Army anticipates that the repair and restoration of the damaged garrison could span several months. The extensive damage inflicted by the seawater inundation has affected crucial facilities, emphasizing the challenging nature of the cleanup and reconstruction efforts. The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of military installations to the unpredictable forces of nature in the Pacific region.

Also Read

Goa Honeymoon Turns Ayodhya Yatra: Wife Demands Divorce

Bhopal woman files for divorce as husband swaps Goa honeymoon for Ayodhya...