Rain brings relief and fear in equal measure. With memories of last year’s floods still fresh, Borno residents are clearing drains and calling on government to act fast before the waters rise again.

The rainy season is picking up across Nigeria, and with it comes growing anxiety about flooding in vulnerable communities. Borno State has seen its share of devastating floods in recent years, so it is one of the states being watched closely as residents prepare for what could be months of heavy rainfall.

cbinews.tv correspondent spoke with residents across Maiduguri and surrounding communities to gauge how prepared people feel and how much they know about the risks.

For many in Borno State, the rainy season is bittersweet. The rains are welcome for farming and water supply, but they also bring fears of flooding, damaged property, and displacement.

Residents recalled past floods that hit homes, businesses, roads, and farmlands. Their worry is that poor drainage, blocked waterways, and unplanned settlements could make this year’s rains even worse.

Mohammed Chairmo, a roadside mechanic said, "Last year, water entered our garage and destroyed many of our belongings, including vehicles and many valuables. We are worried that it could happen again if preventive measures are not taken."

Abubakar Mustapha, a resident of a flood prone area, shared what it is like every rainy season. "For over twenty years we are facing this problem, if rain falls we are no more in peace. The government should come to our aid and continue sensitising people and clearing blocked drainage systems before the rains become heavier."

Some residents say they have started taking steps on their own. That includes clearing drains around their homes and moving valuable items to safer spots.

Iliya Hambali, a community volunteer, said, "We are trying our best to keep our environment clean and ensure water flows freely, but more support is needed from the authorities. We also appreciate the efforts of BOSPA for always responding whenever they are called upon. Alhamdulillah for that support. At the same time, I want to urge the government to pay closer attention to drainage systems within the town. The major drainage channels and river outlets where water accumulates also require urgent and continuous maintenance, as they are often the primary causes of flooding when they are blocked or poorly maintained."

Others want more public awareness campaigns, better drainage infrastructure, and early flood warnings so communities can prepare before an emergency hits.

Another resident, Abatcha Bulama, made a strong call to the authority. "We are really suffering because of the poor condition of the bridge. We are appealing to the government to come to our aid. Since last year, work has been ongoing on the bridge, but up till now, not a single one has been completed. Another rainy season is fast approaching, and we are worried. We want the riverbank protection project to be completed as soon as possible because we do not want to experience another flood disaster. We are calling on the government to speed up the work to prevent another flood alert."

Responding to these concerns, the Permanent Secretary, Borno State Ministry of Environment, restated the government’s readiness. She noted that Borno is among the states most severely affected by flooding during every rainy season. According to her, since the last major flood incident, her office has been collaborating with various organisations every Saturday to clear drainage channels.

She added that some of these organisations also provide financial support and assist with sanitation activities to help mitigate the impact of flooding.

Experts stress that community preparedness and early response are key to reducing the impact of flooding. Residents are therefore encouraged to stay alert, follow weather advisories, and report any signs of flooding to the relevant authorities.

While many residents understand the risks that come with heavy rainfall, concerns remain about the state’s level of preparedness. As the rainy season continues, stakeholders are expected to strengthen preventive measures to protect lives and property.

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