4. Life in Rongerik Atoll
Though the United States left the Bikinians with several weeks food, it was not enough. The Rongerik Atoll produced far less vegetation than the bounteous Bikini Atoll and — after careful inspection — the islanders determined that the fish in the bay were inedible. Though they began to beg the Americans to return them to their native island, their requests went unheard.
5. Beginning Tests
In 1946, the United States conducted a series of tests intended to determine the effectiveness of nuclear bombs on warships. They detonated two devices at various places throughout the chain. Able was detonated in the sky above the island, and Baker was detonated 90 feet underwater.
6. The Journey of the Bikini Atoll Islanders
Two years after their initial relocation, in 1948, the United States government was finally forced to address the Bikini Islanders’ suffering. As a result, they were moved to Kwajalein Atoll, home to one of the United States military’s largest landing strips. The islanders were put up in tents alongside the runway. Six months later, the Bikinians moved to Kili Island, a spot that was almost as uninhabitable as Rongerik Atoll. Once again, the Bikini Islanders found themselves on the brink of starvation.
