Daijiworld Media Network - Houston

Houston, Jul 1: A 33-year-old Indian IT professional from Andhra Pradesh lost his life after his vehicle was swept away by flash floodwaters during severe storms in the US state of Kansas over the weekend.

The deceased has been identified as Venkatesh Doppalapudi, an H-1B visa holder who was residing in Omaha, Nebraska.

According to reports, Doppalapudi was returning from Houston on Saturday when his vehicle was caught in rapidly rising floodwaters caused by heavy rainfall in south-central Kansas.
Rescue personnel rushed to the scene, but powerful flood currents prevented them from entering the water immediately.

An extensive search operation involving the Kansas Highway Patrol Air Unit, local law enforcement agencies and police drones was launched, following which Doppalapudi's body was recovered on Sunday.

Authorities said the region received more than six inches of rainfall, triggering flash floods that submerged roads and waterways across parts of south-central Kansas.

Expressing grief over the incident, the Consulate General of India in Houston said it was in constant touch with the deceased's family and local authorities.

"The Consulate is in touch with the family and close contacts and is coordinating with the relevant authorities to provide all possible assistance," the mission said in a statement.

The Consulate is also coordinating with Kansas state authorities to complete the necessary legal formalities and facilitate the repatriation of Doppalapudi's mortal remains to India.