Gigantic waves struck an Army dining hall at the U.S. military base in the Marshall Islands on Saturday, causing significant damage. The force of the waves ripped doors from their hinges and swept diners across the room. This incident led to the evacuation of all non-essential personnel.
Island Times shared a statement from the U.S. Army, which explained that "a series of weather-induced waves" hit Roi-Namur, resulting in substantial flooding in the island's northern regions. Roi-Namur houses the Army's sophisticated space tracking equipment. Despite the severe damage, there were only three reported minor injuries, with one individual receiving treatment at the base's Army clinic on Kwajalein Island.
Erik Hanson, who was inside the Army dining hall when the waves hit, captured and shared footage from the incident on his TikTok account, @worldmaverik. He noted in the caption that he posted the video only after confirming everyone affected by the wave was safe.
@worldmaverik Now that I?ve heard everyone from this event is ok I?m finally posting the video. Roi Namur island was hit hard by several huge waves Saturday night. It was NOT a tsunami as many other sites that stole my video are saying. No other islands were affected. It was a combination of wind, tides and swell direction. It also was right after low tide at a 1.2ft tide so could have been worse. Very very thankful no one was seriously injured. Thank you to all friends and family who reached out. Please share this video instead of those opportunistic ripoffs out there now
The video shows Hanson urging people to keep the doors shut, moments before a wave smashes into them, carrying three individuals from one end of the restaurant to the other, and even reaching the patio area at one point. As a second wave, approximately 5 feet tall, enters the dining hall, people scramble onto tables, and the power flickers off.
The powerful storm waves wreaked havoc across the small South Pacific island. An aerial assessment by the Army revealed flooding in about a third of the island, affecting two airports and the ground floors of nearly all bachelor quarters. The Army store, Tradewinds Theatre, and automotive warehouses were also among the flooded buildings.
Roi-Namur wasn't the only island impacted. Ailinglaplap Atoll experienced flooding, with debris littering the runways of Woja and Jeh islands. Kili Island also faced flooding from Saturday into Sunday.
The Marshall Islands National Weather Service issued a text mssage warning on Sunday: "Northern swells may cause inundation in northern atolls and north-facing shores. Hazardous conditions for swimming and sailing in small crafts due to crashing waves and stronger than usual currents due to swells."
Given the current intense weather patterns in the Pacific, the region may continue to experience more flooding and powerful waves.
