The rains flooded the Kaveri River and which separated the army from a British force under Robert Abercromby that was waiting on the far side of Seringapatam for Cornwallis 's arrival .
The Kaveri River was difficult to cross even under favourable conditions .
The rains flooded the Kaveri River , which was difficult to cross even under favourable conditions , and which separated the army from a British force under Robert Abercromby that was waiting on the far side of Seringapatam for Cornwallis 's arrival .