it was a test for the experimental weapon code name, The Rapture. They tested the device to see if they could disintegrate the village. They will use this device at a later date, worldwide to made ppl disappear. I believe it works on a cellular level, activating certain DNA groupings, so not everyone will vanish/disintegrate.

They already have this technology to make building disintegrate, but not people. However this new device works on people, possibly animals.

This is the real purpose China is halting rare earth minerals to the USA, and Europe.
[link to polinance.blogspot.com]

I believe a few of these elements can block this weapon, and are necessary to make it too.