According to officials, Doppalapudi was driving to Houston on Saturday afternoon when intense storms had already dumped more than six inches of rain across many areas of Kansas. During the journey, his vehicle was caught in rapidly rising flash flood waters and was swept away.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing a car submerged near a bridge with Doppalapudi still trapped inside, emergency responders from Sumner County said. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, but the force of the floodwaters and dangerous currents prevented personnel from entering the water to carry out an immediate rescue operation.
A large-scale multi-agency search operation was launched involving police drones and the Kansas Highway Patrol Air Unit. After an extensive search, authorities recovered Doppalapudi's body the following day.
The Consulate General of India in Houston expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and confirmed that it is working closely with local authorities. In an official statement, the Consulate said it was deeply saddened by the death of Venkatesh Doppalapudi, an Indian student from Andhra Pradesh, who lost his life in the flash flood waters in Kansas. It extended heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
The Consulate also stated that it is in contact with Doppalapudi's family and close associates and is coordinating with the relevant authorities to provide all possible assistance. Officials are currently working with Kansas state law enforcement agencies and the family to complete the necessary legal formalities and facilitate the repatriation of his mortal remains to India.
Meanwhile, a fundraising campaign has been launched to support the transportation of Doppalapudi's remains to India, enabling his family to perform his final rites. The funds raised will also be used to cover funeral and other related expenses.
The incident has underscored the devastating impact of extreme weather conditions and the dangers posed by sudden flash floods, while drawing attention to the efforts of Indian diplomatic authorities and local agencies to assist the deceased's family during the repatriation process.
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