A series of weather-driven waves on January 20, 2024, caused significant flooding on the island of Roi-Namur. The island is the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ second-largest Kwajalein Atoll island.
A scene caught on camera and circulating on X without context is disturbing and a nightmare for those involved during the weather event. The video was taken by @worldmaverik.
Officials say only minor injuries were suffered.
The US Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll provides support for the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, which the US Space and Missile Defense Command operates.
The test site is used as a space and missile defense test range by the Department of Defense.
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USAG-KA personnel evacuated 80 of the approximately 120 personnel who live in Roi-Namur.
Sixty people remain on the island of Enniburr, which is south of Roi-Namur and home to the Marshallese workforce, to assess damage and restore basic services while maintaining water and fuel supplies.
“Clearing the runway on Roi-Namur and assessing its safety is our top priority now that we have evacuated personnel not required for the initial response efforts,” said Col. Drew Morgan, USAG–KA garrison commander. “Once the runway is open, we can move people and equipment back and forth to start the recovery process.”
The efforts of the garrison and multiple mission partners, known as Operation Roi Recovery, could take months to complete.
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Aerial photos show extensive damage to Roi-Namur’s infrastructure, submerging many island areas.
Flooding caused by the waves damaged much of the unaccompanied personnel housing. The dining facility, Outrigger Bar and Grill, chapel, and Tradewinds Theater all suffered moderate to severe damage. The automotive complex remains underwater.
“Roi-Namur represents the tip of Kwajalein’s spear,” Morgan said. “Roi residents are a special part of the Team Kwaj family. The workforce and community have mounted an impressive support response. I am very proud to be part of Team Kwaj.”
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