Photos: Hundreds march, light candles at vigil for Nepal

People light candles at a candlelight vigil to spell "stay strong Nepal" on the University of California campus, in Berkeley, on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, to bring attention to the victims of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25. Several hundred people participated in the vigil, sponsored by the Nepali Student Association. Photo: David Yee ©2015 — People light candles at a candlelight vigil to spell “Stay Strong Nepal” at UC Berkeley, on Wednesday, April 29, 2015. Photo: David Yee

The Nepali Student Association at UC Berkeley organized a vigil Wednesday night to raise awareness and funds after the April 25 earthquake that killed thousands and has devastated many parts of the country.

People began gathering on Sproul Plaza shortly before 7:00 p.m. after which they marched in silence to the area in front of Wheeler Hall where they lit candles and arranged them to spell “Stay Strong Nepal.” The organizers then photographed the group around the candles from overhead, using a drone. They hope to use the images to bring attention to the plight of the victims of the quake.

Berkeleyside sent photographer David Yee to document the event.

Anil Thapa, of Berkeley, tells the crowd at a candlelight vigil on the University of California campus about his plans to go to Nepal in three weeks to aid the victims of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck April 25, in Berkeley, on Wednesday, April 29, 2015. Several hundred people participated in the vigil, sponsored by the Nepali Student Association. Photo: David Yee ©2015 — Anil Thapa of Berkeley tells the crowd at the vigil about his plans to go to Nepal to aid the victims of the 7.8-magnitude quake. Photo: David Yee

People march through Sather Gate during a candlelight vigil on the University of California campus, in Berkeley, on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, to bring attention to the victims of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25. Several hundred people participated in the vigil, sponsored by the Nepali Student Association. Photo: David Yee ©2015 — People march in silence through Sather Gate on campus. Photo: David Yee

People hold signs during a candlelight vigil on the University of California campus, in Berkeley, on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, to bring attention to the victims of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25. Several hundred people participated in the vigil, sponsored by the Nepali Student Association. Photo: David Yee ©2015 — People hold signs during the vigil. Photo: David Yee

People hold hands and observe a moment of silence at a candlelight vigil on the University of California campus, in Berkeley, on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, to bring attention to the victims of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25. Several hundred people participated in the vigil, sponsored by the Nepali Student Association. Photo: David Yee ©2015 — People hold hands and observe a moment of silence in front of the candles lit at the vigil. Photo: David Yee

There are several verified agencies working in the hardest hit areas of Nepal to bring supplies to survivors, including the Berkeley-based Seva Foundation.

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Tracey Taylor