Rainfall provided relief to farmers and firefighters in Thimphu after a prolonged dry spell, easing drought conditions and allowing fruit tree flowering. Bhutan experienced modest rainfall in December 2023, with southern regions receiving more. Winter precipitation supports ecological balance, aids agricultural activities, and sustains forest ecosystems, reducing fire risk. Bhutanese farmers are optimistic about better yields after receiving recent rain, which is expected to support glacial health and support farming preparations in highland areas. Samtse farmers struggle with pests, lack of rainfall, and fodder shortages for winter vegetables. Phobjikha, Wangdue farmers appreciate snowfall and rain for potato plantation.
Forest fires that had raged across the nation were significantly reduced by the rainfall. Firefighters had been fighting to contain the fire near Tsento, where it had spread into remote areas. Forestry officials said the downpour probably dampened dry plants and decreased the fire’s momentum, while official updates were still waiting. While the forest fire that began in Dangrina, Thimphu, burned for more than a week, the Tsenso forest fire had been burning for more than a month. According to the DoFPS, there were roughly 50 forest fires between November of last year and March of this year, affecting an estimated 8,274 acres. A number of these fires have not yet been completely evaluated and are still burning.
