US finalises alien registration rule: Big relief for H-1B, students, green card holders

Indian techie, 33, killed after car gets swept away in Kansas flash floods

A 33-year-old Indian IT professional and student, Venkatesh Doppalapudi, was killed after his car was swept away under severe flash flood waters in the United States. The victim was an H-1B work visa visa holder based in Nebraska and was reportedly driving north from Houston on Saturday afternoon when his vehicle was caught in sudden flooding triggered by severe storms that dumped over 6 inches of rain across south-central Kansas. Emergency responders in Sumner County said eyewitnesses reported seeing a vehicle submerged near a bridge along South Oliver Road in Wellington, with a person trapped inside. Rescue efforts were initially hampered by strong currents, prompting authorities to deploy air units and drones for search operations. His body was recovered on Sunday following an intensive multi-agency operation involving the Kansas Highway Patrol Air Unit and local police. The Consulate General of India in Houston expressed condolences and said it was in touch with the family and local authorities to provide assistance and complete legal formalities, including the repatriation of mortal remains. "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. The Consulate extends heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time," the mission said in a post on X.