Uttarakhand Tragedy: Authorities Issue Death Certificates for Missing Victims

Two years after the tragic Dharali flash floods in Uttarakhand, the state government has taken a significant step to support the affected families. As of September 27, 2025, the authorities have begun the process of issuing death certificates for the 67 people who remain missing since the August 5, 2023 disaster.

The Dharali tragedy unfolded when sudden flash floods tore through the village in Uttarkashi district, killing at least 2 people and leaving 67 others, including 25 Nepali citizens, unaccounted for. Rescue operations have been ongoing since the incident, but with little hope of finding the missing alive, the government has decided to take action.

In a letter issued on September 25, 2025, the state health secretary invoked the Registration of Births and Deaths Act to allow the designated government officer to issue death certificates for the missing individuals. This will enable their families to receive the necessary compensation and support without further delay.

The process involves a detailed inquiry by the officer to determine the likelihood of the missing persons' deaths, followed by the issuance of the certificates. An appellate officer will also be appointed to handle any objections. The state government had previously sought guidelines from the Office of Registrar General of India, which provided instructions based on a similar tragedy in Chamoli district in 2021.

This move by the Uttarakhand authorities is expected to bring some closure and financial assistance to the affected families, who have been waiting for over two years for this crucial step. As the search operations continue, the government's decision to issue death certificates is a significant effort to support the community in the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.