More than 70,000 people attending the Burning Man cultural event in the Nevada desert were stranded when heavy rain turned the area into a muddy field.
"Due to heavy rain, access to and from the event site remains closed. No driving is permitted until the desert surface dries, except for emergency vehicles," Burning Man organizers announced on September 2.
Organizers also encouraged those stranded in the desert to conserve food, drink and fuel and to seek safe shelter while awaiting further information.
The entrance to the event site remained closed on the morning of September 3. Burning Man organizers have not announced plans to reopen the access. The meteorological agency predicts that the rain will stop by the evening of September 3 (around the morning of September 4, Hanoi time).
Burning Man participants walk through mud in the desert on September 2. Photo: Reuters
Hours of rain turned the Nevada desert site of the Burning Man event into an ankle-deep mud bog. Officials with the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office said about 70,000 people were stranded, adding that some tried to leave but most vehicles were immobilized.
Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen said he was investigating a death in the incident, but the cause was not yet known.
Burning Man organizers say they are prepared for such situations and are prioritizing evacuations. Nevada police say resources across the state have been mobilized to assist those with medical needs at the event.
The desert where Burning Man took place turned into a swamp. Video: Twitter/@ekai
Burning Man is an annual cultural event that attracts about 70,000 attendees. This year’s event runs from August 28 to September 4. Tens of thousands of attendees, known as Burners, will converge on a desert area in northern Nevada called Black Rock City. Burners provide their own food, water, and lodging during the event.
Attendees can enjoy music parties, art performances and games that are considered somewhat eccentric. The highlight of the event is the main festival, the burning of a giant Burning Man effigy.
Location of Burning Man event. Graphics: Google Maps
Ngoc Anh (According to CNN/Washington Post )
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