Ferry services on Bhola-Laxmipur route and launches on Bhola-Barisal route have been suspended due to inclement weather, causing immense suffering for the passengers of the routes, said KM Emran Khan, manager of ferry service on Bhola-Laxmipur route.

The 15-m embankment of Bangladesh Water Development Board was breached at Murad Chhabulla village in East Ilisha Union of Sadar Upazila on Thursday morning, said Executive Engineer Mahmud Hossain of BWDB.

Several villages in the area have been flooded due to high tide, locals said.

Besides, Meghna River is flowing above the danger level in Bhola since the morning, flooding at least 20 villages near the embankment.

According to local weather office, there was moderate to heavy rains in the district since Wednesday night.

The meteorological office has recorded 26mm rainfall till morning, pushing up Meghna’s water level.

When the tide came again in the afternoon, the tidal water rushed through the broken part and inundated a few villages.

Several thousand went under 3-4 feet water. Croplands were flooded and fishes in the ponds were washed away.

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At least 20 villages of Rajapur, Dhania, Kachia, Shibpur, Madarpur of Daulatkhan, Char Hazari of Bhabanipur, Ward no 6, 7, Syedpur, Charpata, Borhanuddin, Monpura and Tajumuddin have been submerged, leaving several thousand people marooned.

However, BWDB has taken initiative to repair the embankment. They will repair the damaged part quickly when the water recedes, said the engineer.