At least 20 villages in Galachipa and Rangabali upazilas of Patuakhali have been submerged after embankments collapsed amid heavy rains spawned by a deep depression and new moon tides.
Thousands of residents got stranded in knee- to-waist-deep water, with many reportedly going without food or drinking water.
Continuous moderate to heavy rainfall and gusty winds since Wednesday night have battered the region, causing collapse of several embankments and allowing tidal water to inundate low-lying areas in Galachipa municipality and surrounding unions in both upazilas.
Locals said ward No-1, 2, and 3 of Galachipa municipality are among the worst affected. Over 2,500 families are trapped inside waterlogged homes.
In some areas, floodwater has entered houses, sweeping away cooking stoves and disrupting meals. Many small traders in Kutiayalpara lost their stored goods, including rice, lentils, and nuts to the rising waters.
The ferry terminal has gone underwater, cutting off road connectivity.
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In Panpatti union, a 10–15 foot breach in embankment Polder 55/3 near Panpatti Board Government Primary School has flooded several villages, including Bibir Hawla, Guptar Hawla, Sutiram, and Kharida.
Local union Chairman Masud Rana feared that another 10–12 villages may soon be affected, pushing 15,000–20,000 people at risk. Saline water has already swamped croplands, ponds, and shrimp enclosures.
Meanwhile, in embankment-less Char Kajol union, around 200 homes in Char Shibardhalar Char were submerged.
Additional flooding in ward No-1 to 4 of Boro Char Kajol has left another 2,000 families stranded.
Locals in Agunmukha Char and Char Karfarma said that over 150 homes are underwater. Villages like Dakua, Gojalia, Kolagachhia, and Noluabagi are now on high alert due to weakening embankments and the risk of further breaches.
In Rangabali, the embankment breach at Moudubi and Char Andar has inundated five villages, leaving residents waiting anxiously for the tide to recede.
Galachipa Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahmudul Hasan said efforts are underway to repair the damaged dams quickly.
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A team led by Upazila Project Implementation Officer Md. Zafar Rana is assessing the damage and tracking affected households. Relief efforts will be initiated immediately, he assured.