TEMPO Interactive, Kupang:The sulphuric gas emitted by Mount Lewotolok in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has destroyed the agricultural crops around its slopes. "We’re on standby mode or alert II," Deputy Regent of Lembata, Viktor Mado Watun, told Tempo on September 5. The condition is exacerbated by the protracted drought. Nearly the entire region is hit by a drought so severe that food supplies are in danger. Crop failure is threatening the farmers in four villages in a radius of about 400 meters from the foot of the mountain which are Jontona, Lamawolo, Lamatokan, and Lemau in the District of Ile Ape Timur. The crops that died include coconut, banana, and cashew. "The agricultural crops planted by the villagers are dying from the sulfur emitted into the air," he said. YOHANES SEO