More than 70.000 people attending the Burning Man cultural event in the Nevada desert were stranded when heavy rain turned the place into mud.
“Due to heavy rain, the entrance and exit to the event venue remains closed. Driving is not allowed until the desert surface has dried, except for emergency vehicles," the Burning Man cultural event organizer announced on September 2.
The organizers also encourage those stranded in the desert to save food, drink and fuel as well as seek safe shelter while waiting for more information.
The entrance to the event venue remained closed on the morning of September 3. Burning Man organizers have not stated any plans to reopen the path. The meteorological agency predicts that the rain will stop on the evening of September 9 (around the morning of September 3 Hanoi time).
Burning Man participants walk in the mud in the desert on September 2. Image: Reuters
The rain for several hours turned the desert area in Nevada, where the Burning Man event was held, into ankle-deep mud. Officials with the Pershing County Sheriff's Office said about 70.000 people were trapped, adding that some people tried to leave but most vehicles could not move.
Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen said it was investigating one death in the incident, but the cause was unknown.
Burning Man organizers confirmed that they are prepared for these types of situations and are prioritizing evacuating people. Nevada police said all resources across the state were deployed to assist those with medical needs at the event.
The desert where the Burning Man event took place turned into a muddy area. Video: Twitter/@ekai
Burning Man is an annual cultural event, with an attendance of about 70.000. This year's event takes place from August 28 to September 8. Tens of thousands of attendees, known as Burners, will gather in the desert region of northern Nevada, which has been named Black Rock City. Burners prepare their own food, water and shelter during the event.
Attendees can enjoy music parties, art performances and games that are said to be somewhat eccentric. The most prominent event is the main festival of burning giant effigy Burning Man.
Location of the Burning Man event. Graphics: Google Maps
Ngoc Anh (Follow CNN/Washington Post)
