On 18 July 1979, a portion of the Iliwerung volcano on Lembata collapsed into the Savu Sea, triggering a deadly tsunami that swept along the island's coastal villages.

This hill represents an ancient volcanic crater of the Iliwerung volcano, and is especially vulnerable to landslides after heavy downpour.

The lack of roads connecting the affected villages of Lembata made rescue works difficult.

According to Ben Midol, the governor of East Nusa Tenggara, food and medical aid were quickly supplied to the region.

[11] A human body found inside a shark caught off Rote Island one week after the disaster may have been a tsunami victim.

According to Suara Karya, citing a medican examiner, the body belonged to a male who had been dead for two days before being swallowed by the shark.