TEMPO.CO, Kupang - Recent eruption of the Hobalt volcano may cause a tsunami that threatens three villages in East Nusa Tenggara Province: During, Lamanunang, and Waiteba. The volcano erupted on Tuesday, August 20, at 07:30 local time.
After the eruption, sea water surrounding the volcano has turned yellow and creating bubbles. The volcano itself has been declared on alert status (level II).
Hobalt volcano is located three kilometers off the southern coast of Lembata island. Residents of the Atadei sub-district located in the island, are worried about their safety because the eruption may cause tsunami. A local resident mentioned that officers from the Disaster Mitigation Office have already issued a warning and have restricted fishermen from going out to sea.
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