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Curfew in Himachal’s Various Districts Could be Extended After May 31, State Today Reports its 5th COVID-19 Death and 14 New Cases
Shimla– The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Himachal Pradesh has reached 217 on May 25 (5:00 PM) as 14 new cases were reported today.
Following the death of a woman at IGMC, Shimla, on Sunday, the State recorded its fifth COVID-19 death on Monday as woman, who was a kidney patient, died at the Nerchowk Medical College. The Medical Superintendent, Dr Devender, has confirmed the report.
Out of five deceased patients, three were suffering from kidney-related medical conditions. It’s pertinent to mention that, as per health experts and researchers, COVID-19 infection is more lethal for chronic kidney patients.
Further, today, three persons who had returned from Mumbai, tested positive in Shimla’s Chopal.
Six cases were reported from Kangra including two from Dadh area, two from Jaisinghpur, and one from Pudwa area of the district. Four tested positive in Chamba, and a pregnant woman was also found to be positive for COVID-19 in Hamirpur district.
Majority patients were under institutional quarantine or isolation facilities.
District-Wise COVID-19 Cases Till May 25, 2020 (5:00 PM)
Curfew Extended in Various Districts After May 31
Further, the Cabinet, in its meeting held on May 23, authorized all the District Magistrates of the State under the proviso of Sub-Section (4) of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 to extend the order issued by them under Section 144(1) of the Code upto 30th June, 2020.
District Magistrates cannot impose curfew in their respective districts for more than two months. However, since the two months time has completed on 24 May and the Corona pandemic was still not over in the state, it was felt that situation could arise when the curfew has to be extended further, the Government said.
At present the curfew is enforce till 31 May, 2020 and thereafter the District Magistrates will take further action in this matter, the State Government said on May 25.
Hamirpur district was unaffected till April 17 – the day it reported its first two cases.
The district reported only three cases till May 7. It’s third case on May 8. By May 25, the district has reported 63 cases- highest in the State.
On May 5, the district reported its first COVID-19 death as a 21-year-old patient, who was suffering from kidney-related disease, died at the Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla.
On May 15, Hamirpur reported its second death as a 52-year-old died at Nerchowk Hospital. Till May 14, the district had reported only seven confirmed cases.
However, on May 21, Hamirpur surpassed Kangra district in terms of the number of cases as 31 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in a single day. On this day, the State also witnessed its highest 42 cases in a single day. Till May 21, Hamirpur’s COVID-19 tally was 46.
According to the official bulletin of the State Health Department, on May 25, the district’s tally had risen to 63 with 57 active cases. For the State, total number active cases is 146 as 62 people have recovered, five died, and four migrated to outside State for treatment.
Majority patients were returnees who were stranded in other States of the country, especially Mumbai and Delhi
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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