New York / Houston: In a heartbreaking incident, a 33-year-old Indian IT professional and student tragically lost his life after his car was caught in severe flash floods in the US state of Kansas.
The deceased has been identified as Venkatesh Doppalapudi, a native of Andhra Pradesh, India. Venkatesh was a resident of Omaha, Nebraska, and was working in the US on an H-1B visa while also pursuing his studies.
The tragic accident occurred on Saturday afternoon while Venkatesh was driving to Houston. Intense storms had battered parts of Kansas, dropping more than six inches of torrential rain within a short window. According to emergency responders from Sumner County, eyewitnesses reported seeing Venkatesh’s vehicle rapidly submerged near a bridge, with him still trapped inside.
Though rescue teams rushed to the scene immediately, the violent, extreme currents of the floodwaters made it impossible for first responders to safely enter the water to rescue him. A multi-agency search operation was immediately launched, deploying police drones and the Kansas Highway Patrol Air Unit. Tragically, his body was recovered the following day.
The Consulate General of India in Houston expressed deep condolences over the tragedy and stated that they are working closely with local law enforcement and the family to complete the legal formalities and facilitate the repatriation of his mortal remains to India.
A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched by friends and community members to support the family with funeral costs and transportation expenses so his last rites can be performed in his hometown.
