'Trapped inside as vehicle swept away': Indian techie in US dies in Kansas flash floods

An Indian techie died after his vehicle was swept away by flash floodwaters in the US state of Kansas during severe storms over the weekend. Eyewitnesses alerted authorities after seeing the vehicle become submerged near a bridge with the driver still trapped inside, news agency PTI reported. Powerful flood currents initially prevented rescue teams from entering the water, and his body was recovered the following day after an extensive multi-agency search. The victim was identified as Venkatesh Doppalapudi, a 33-year-old IT professional and H-1B visa holder who lived in Omaha, Nebraska. He was reportedly driving back north from Houston on Saturday afternoon when his vehicle encountered flash flooding caused by storms that dumped more than six inches of rain across south-central Kansas. The consulate general of India in Houston expressed condolences over the incident and said it was working closely with local authorities to assist the family. "The Consulate General of India in Houston is deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Mr Venkatesh Doppalapudi, an Indian student from Andhra Pradesh, who lost his life in flash floodwaters in Kansas," it said. "The Consulate extends heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. The Consulate is in touch with the family and close contacts and is coordinating with the relevant authorities to provide all possible assistance. May the departed soul rest in peace," it added. According to the Sumner County Sheriff's office, emergency responders were dispatched to the 600 block of South Oliver Road near Wellington after witnesses reported the incident. The search involved the Kansas highway patrol air unit, local law enforcement and police drones before Doppalapudi's body was recovered on Sunday.