Can't place blocks in some areas after update

Hey, I share a world with my friend. We both are experiencing this same issue. He plays on the Switch and I play on MCPE.

After the new update that came out, we started having issues with placing blocks. Doesn't matter what block it is. It won't place. And it only happens in certain block size spots around the world. Also while exploring the world, I came across areas in the river and ocean that should definitely have water, but no water is in the empty block. Unable to place blocks there as well. Can drop sand and gravel through it, jump through it, run water and lava through it. But it makes the hole bigger and we still can't place blocks. Some surrounding blocks also have vanished. Please help. I don't want to lose the world if I don't have to.