Toxic Gas Contaminates Residents' Water and Livestock Feed Following Mount Ile Lewotolok Eruption

LEMBATA, KOMPAS.com - The impact of the Ile Lewotolok volcano eruption is being felt by residents of Jontona Village in Lembata Regency, East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

The head of Jontona Village, Nikolaus Ake Watun, revealed that currently, local crops have been severely damaged due to exposure to volcanic ash, sand, and toxic gases.

Moreover, livestock feed has also been contaminated, causing many of the villagers' animals to become unwell and lose their appetites.

"The livestock feed has been contaminated by volcanic ash, sulfur, and toxic gases," Nikolaus said when contacted on Sunday (20/9/2026).

Impact of Ile Lewotolok Volcano Eruption

According to him, the eruption's effects also extend to the clean water sector.

The residents' drinking water sources have suffered serious contamination due to toxic sulfur gases entering the storage tanks.

The volcanic ash settling in these reservoirs further deteriorates the water quality that villagers rely on for daily needs.

Furthermore, Nikolaus added that many villagers have begun suffering from various illnesses.

"Many residents are complaining of coughs, colds, fevers, and other ailments," he said.

Nikolaus emphasized that the village's residents urgently need assistance from the government.

Needed Assistance

The most urgent aid required includes masks, medicines, and protective headgear to minimize exposure to volcanic ash.

In addition, basic necessities such as staple foods, instant noodles, rice, and clean water are needed.

Nikolaus added that the eruption activity of Mount Ile Lewotolok has drastically increased over the past month.

In fact, there have been over 300 eruptions recorded in a single day, accompanied by loud rumblings and volcanic ash clouds reaching hundreds of meters in height.

"We hope for government assistance to help the affected communities, especially us in Jontona Village," he concluded.