Flooding Trends in Borno City: A Look at Environmental Changes and Rainfall Patterns

In the heart of Northeastern Nigeria, Borno Metropolis has been grappling with increased flooding. This is not just a recent issue. It has been a growing problem over the past few decades. The reason? A mix of natural and human-driven factors. Climate change has been a significant player, altering rainfall patterns and making floods more frequent. To understand this better, researchers took a deep dive into the data. They looked at satellite images from different years. These images helped them track changes in land use and cover. They also analyzed rainfall data from 1987 to 2024. This period saw some dramatic shifts. For instance, in 2024, a whopping 330 square kilometers of the city was underwater. That is about 12. 6% of the total area. This was a stark increase from previous years. The study also revealed some worrying trends in vegetation cover. From 1987 to 1990, the city had a certain amount of green space. By 2024, this had decreased by 16. 1 square kilometers. At the same time, non-vegetated areas had increased significantly, reaching 19. 5 square kilometers. This loss of green cover can exacerbate flooding. Plants and trees help absorb water. Without them, more water runs off into the streets and homes. Built-up areas, like buildings and roads, also expanded. From 2013 to 2014, these areas increased by 59. 4 square kilometers. More concrete means less space for water to go. This can lead to more flooding during heavy rains. The heavy rainfall of 863 mm in 2024 was a key factor in increasing runoff and intensifying floods. The researchers used various statistical tests to assess relationships between climatic and environmental factors and floods. They found that higher rainfall levels increase the likelihood of flooding. This is not surprising, but it is important to quantify. It helps in planning and preparing for future floods. The study also identified critical flood-affected areas. This information is valuable for flood management planning. It can help governments and local communities reduce risks. They can focus on these areas, implementing measures to mitigate flooding. This could include improving drainage systems, restoring green spaces, or even changing building codes to require more flood-resistant designs. However, it is not just about the data. It is about using this information to make real changes. Communities need to be involved in this process. They know their areas best and can provide valuable insights. Moreover, it is not just about reacting to floods. It is about preventing them in the first place. This requires a long-term vision and commitment from all stakeholders.