Howdy Modi? Rains wreak havoc in Houston before PM's mega-event

The event being hosted at NRG Stadium on September 22 marks many firsts-- No other foreign leader, except Pope Francis, has addressed such a massive crowd (50,000 people have signed up for the event).

This is also the first time that Trump will share the stage with a leader of another country.

By confirming his attendance, POTUS showed he enjoys Indian PM's friendship.

Naturally, PM Modi's fans are seeing this event as a huge diplomatic win, but rains might play spoilsport.

Tropical Depression Imelda has led to heavy rains in southwestern Texas, forcing residents to stay indoors.

Governor Greg Abbott declared emergency in as many as 13 counties.

"This happened very quickly. It just demonstrates that in this day and time, climate change is real," he said.

Photos, which found their way on social media, depicted that the condition is quite serious.

Uncountable cars, parks, and buildings were submerged in floods. Police Chief Art Acevedo said tow trucks removed some 200 vehicles stuck in roadways, and many more are yet to be towed away.

At least two people have died and hundreds of residents are stranded.

Despite Texas being brought to a standstill (quite literally as flight operations have also been affected), the volunteers of the event are upbeat.

A leading volunteer named Achalesh Amar told PTI that 1,500 people were working round the clock to make the event a success.

"We are going to have a fantastic program on Sunday," he went on.

Separately, Tulsi Gabbard, the first Indian-origin woman candidate for US presidential elections, who was expected to join PM Modi has confirmed she won't be able to make it.

Extending a warm welcome to him, she said, "I will not be able to join there in person due to previously scheduled presidential campaign events."

Houston houses several Indian-Americans, whose votes might prove decisive in the 2020 elections.