Patuakhali, May 29 -- 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.

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