MCC workers killed by flash flood in Indonesia

Two Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) workers living in Indonesia were caught in a flash flood January 21 in the mountains outside the city of Salatiga on the island of Java. They were there as part of a SALT team teaching English in the local schools.

Hannah Showaker Alana Fife MCC Photos: Benjamin Krause

One worker was reported dead and the other missing. The two were hiking in the region with another MCC worker and a local friend who were both unharmed.

Hannah Showaker, 25, Newville, Pa., was found dead one mile from the point where she was washed away by the floodwaters.

The body of Alana Fife, 21, of Calgary, Alta., and most recently of Winnipeg, Man., was found the next morning. She had been a student at the University of Winnipeg, but had taken a year off from studies in order to serve with MCC. She was a member of Calvary Temple in Winnipeg.

The third worker, Daniel Warren, of Shoreline, Wash., escaped injury.

“The entire MCC family and supporting faith community are deeply shocked at the tragedy that has befallen these two families,” said Ron Mathies, MCC executive director. “Both Hannah Showaker and Alana Fife have been described as young women of grace and strong character who were making an impact on children in their communities in Indonesia.”

MCC workers have hiked before in the area, which they describe as a popular picnic spot. Warren was taking a photograph of Showaker and Fife as they stood in ankle-deep water at the Sekarlangit Falls Wednesday afternoon, when, without warning, a wall of water rushed over the falls and swept the two women away.

All three MCC workers are part of the Serving and Learning Together (SALT) program for young adults. They arrived in Indonesia in August 2002.

—MCC news release