A ministry official explained that rain of medium or high intensity could carry volcanic materials that are believed to be accumulating at the volcano's peak down to the villages.
Due to the severe impact of volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi on Sikka, refugees at the two shelters in the district will be gradually shifted to East Flores.
The hospital built with a budget of around US$27 million has complete health facilities.
TheIndonesia.id - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned seven areas in East Nusa Tenggara province of drought as dry season is predicted to be reaching its peak this month.
Kupang Climatology Station said the seven areas are asked to prepare for imminent drought since they have been without rain for more than 60 days.
“The areas with alert status have been without rain for even more than 61 days, and the possibility of [drought] is above 70 percent,” head of the station Rahmattulloh Adji confirmed on Monday, August 15, as reported by Antara.
The seven areas are Sulamu subdistrict in Kupang regency; Kota Raja and Oebobo in Kupang municipality; Northwest Rote in Rote Ndao regency; Hawu Mehara and Raijua in Sabu Raijua regency; and Haharu in East Sumba regency.
Adji said potential drought must be anticipated as it could affect clear water supply that could lead to scarcity. Furthermore, it could also destroy crops and increase the probability of fires.
The BMKG officer lastly warned public to start mitigating the impacts of drought to minimize losses.
