Buzz
The beautiful coral island, Bikini Atoll, has undergone more than 20 nuclear weapons tests by the U.S. military.
Bikini Atoll is a circular coral island covering an area of 6 km² in the Marshall Islands, Pacific Ocean. The island is famous for two things: Firstly, it was named after the bikini swimsuit style in 1946. Secondly, the area witnessed over 20 nuclear weapons tests by the U.S. military from 1946 to 1958.
In 1946, the U.S. military mandated the evacuation of the local population from 19 islands to transform the atoll into a nuclear weapons testing ground. Radiation from the testing activities turned them into desolate islands for decades.
The native inhabitants were relocated and lived in exile on other islands. However, by 1987, many started returning to the area to live.
Today, the island is relatively safe for visitation, with lower radiation levels than major cities. However, there is still a hazardous level of radiation within the soil.
Environmental studies reveal that crabs, food, crops, and even the soil in the region are still contaminated with radiation. This can potentially impact the reproductive capabilities of women.
However, Bikini Atoll is still considered one of the most beautiful coral islands globally. Most tourists visit to dive and explore numerous sunken military vehicles, airplanes, submarines, and warships from World War II, resting in the turquoise waters.
In 2010, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) acknowledged the area as a World Heritage Site, symbolizing the dawn of the nuclear age.
As reported by Ngoisao.vn
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourNovember 22, 2015
