Candlelight vigil held Sunday for Pakistan flood victims

MARKHAM, Ont. - A candlelight vigil was held Sunday to honour those affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan.

Despite the chilly weather, hundreds showed up for the multi-faith vigil, which was held outside the Markham Civic Centre.

In early July, massive flooding killed over 2,000 people and left more than 20 million homeless in the northwest region of Pakistan. Almost three months later, there are still millions who need basic supplies like food and water.

The vigil aimed to keep the spotlight on a situation that is still desperate.

Meena, who attended the vigil, told 680News that even though it's been three months since the flood, it is important to keep the situation top of mind.

"[It's] important for people to show solidarity for a cause that has actually affected more than 20 million people -- that's one-third the population of Pakistan," Meena said.

Another attendee Halid said it's important to remember those who have almost nothing. "It is important to understand that what's [happening] far away, across the ocean, is a part of us," he said.

Canadian Sen. Salma Ataullahjan was at the vigil and said to see people of all kinds of faith at the vigil is classically Canadian.

"We step up and help people whenever help is needed, regardless of their colour and their faith and their ethnicity," Sen. Ataullahjan said.