Rongerik Atoll

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Rongerik Atoll - NASA NLT Landsat 7 (Visible Color) Satellite Image

Map of Rongerik Atoll, taken from the 1893 map 'Schutzgebiet der Marshall Inseln', published in 1897.

Rongerik Atoll (also known as Rongdrik Atoll or Roñdik Atoll) is an uninhabited 1.68 square kilometer atoll located in the Pacific Ocean at 11°20′N 167°27′E. It consists of seventeen islands surrounding a 144 square kilometer lagoon. It is a member of the Marshall Islands and is located in the Ralik Chain, 200 kilometers east of Bikini Atoll.

It is most famous as the temporary location from March 7, 1946 through March 14, 1948 of the Bikini Atoll's indigenous population while the United States Government conducted the Operation Crossroads nuclear tests. After months of food shortages and malnutrition, they were moved first to Kwajalein and finally to Kili Island. Prior to the First World War it had been part of the German Pacific Territories, although it was not inhabited.

On March 1, 1954, Rongerik was accidentally exposed to radioactive fallout as a result of the detonation of Operation Castle's Bravo.

Traditionally, Marshall Islanders believe Rongerik to be haunted by the Demon Girls of Ujae, which contributed to its not being inhabited.