Indian techie dies after car gets swept away in flash floods in Kansas, US

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

The deceased has been identified as Venkatesh Doppalapudi, an H-1B visa holder who was residing in Omaha, Nebraska. He was reportedly driving back from Houston, Texas, when his vehicle encountered rapidly rising floodwaters near Wellington in Sumner County, Kansas.

According to local officials, the region witnessed torrential rainfall, with more than six inches of rain falling within a short period. The intense downpour triggered flash floods that inundated roads and low-lying areas, leaving motorists stranded.

Witnesses reportedly saw a vehicle being swept away by the powerful current, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation. Emergency responders later recovered the submerged vehicle, but Doppalapudi was initially missing. His body was found the following day after an extensive search involving multiple agencies.

Doppalapudi had moved to the United States for higher education before beginning his career in the technology sector. He was also pursuing further academic studies while working as an IT professional. Friends and members of the Indian community described him as a dedicated professional with a promising future.

Following the incident, the Consulate General of India in Houston expressed condolences to the bereaved family and said it was in touch with local authorities to provide all necessary assistance. Community members have also launched fundraising efforts to help repatriate his mortal remains to India.

The tragedy comes as several parts of Kansas experienced severe weather over the weekend, with flash flooding disrupting transportation and prompting rescue operations. Authorities have urged residents and travellers to avoid driving through flooded roads, warning that even shallow, fast-moving water can sweep away vehicles.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by flash floods in the United States during the summer storm season, with officials reiterating the safety message: "Turn Around, Don't Drown."