Cyclone Murasu which has intensified over the Bay of Bengal and the Andhra Pradesh coast, has brought heavy rains in parts of Karnataka, including Kodagu district. Torrential rain in Madikeri and several other parts of the coffee-growing district has disrupted normal life, with residents, tourists and motorists struggling to move on waterlogged roads. It is worse in Madikeri city where continuous rainfall has led to severe waterlogging near the famous Omkareshwara Temple. The road in front of the historic temple reportedly turned into a waterlogged stretch for commuters and devotees.
Two Feet of Waterlogging, Omkareshwara Temple Road Closed
Heavy rains over the last hour have led to water accumulation on the main road to Omkareshwara Temple in Madikeri. The road is said to be almost two feet deep with water, and vehicles and pedestrians cannot pass through it. Continuous downpour has choked the drainage system, and rainwater could not flow through the blocked drains, so water has been flowing over the road like a lake.
The main road near Omkareshwara Temple has been completely blocked. The devotees visiting the famous religious place, schoolchildren, and motorists have been inconvenienced due to flooding in the area. The waterlogged road has also raised safety concerns for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders. Municipal authorities are said to be clearing blocked drains and allowing rainwater to flow smoothly. Local civic workers are trying to clear debris and garbage from drainage channels so that water does not accumulate there further.
IMD Reports Widespread Rainfall Across Kodagu
In Kodagu district, many areas have received rainfall as per the daily rainfall report of IMD. Murnad got around 3 centimetres of rainfall; Bhagamandala got 2 centimetres, and Ammathi also got around 1 centimetre of rainfall.
The weather has been attributed to atmospheric disturbances generated by Cyclone Murasu and surface circulation over the Arabian Sea and coastal areas. The movement of the cyclone in a north-northwest direction has led to an increase in rainfall activity over parts of southern India. Kodagu (hilly terrain, coffee plantations and scenic tourist spots) is particularly prone to heavy rain and waterlogging during bad weather days.
The incessant rainfall has worried residents (especially in those areas where drainage infrastructure is not able to drain the water) as well. Waterlogging in urban centres like Madikeri can cause traffic jams, affect public transport and stop movement of tourists visiting the district.
Heavy Rainfall Warning for the Next 48 Hours
The weather department has warned that parts of Karnataka will continue to receive rainfall in the next few days. Cyclone Murasu is expected to weaken gradually, but its associated weather systems may still be active over southern interior districts of the state.
Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan districts are likely to receive heavy rainfall on November 4 and 5. IMD reportedly has issued a yellow alert for these districts and urged people not to venture out during the period of heavy rain.
Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph are also likely in parts of southern interior Karnataka. This weather may affect transport, outdoor activities and tourism in the affected districts. People living near rivers/streams and low-lying areas have been asked to be alert for water accumulation and rising water levels.
Tourists and Residents Advised to Exercise Caution
Kodagu is one of Karnataka’s most popular tourist destinations, with Madikeri, Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Talacauvery and other scenic spots attracting visitors. Heavy rains also make travelling difficult for tourists (roads are hilly and low-lying).
People planning to travel to Kodagu during this weather situation should follow official weather updates and instructions issued by the district administration. Motorists should not try to cross heavily waterlogged roads as it is difficult to gauge how much water is actually there. Residents should also avoid unnecessary travel in heavy rainfall.
The waterlogging at Omkareshwara Temple has once again brought to light the need for urban drainage infrastructure maintenance (especially in regions with heavy rainfall) — clearing blocked drains and ensuring proper rainwater drainage could reduce disruption from flooding in Madikeri.
The rainfall warning for Kodagu and nearby districts is still in force. Authorities and people are expected to remain alert as the next 48 hours will decide how much disruption the weather has caused across the region. People should follow official IMD forecasts and announcements from local administration too as Karnataka continues to feel Cyclone Murasu.
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