Heavy rain leaves 70,000 festival-goers stranded in US desert

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 mess.

"Due to heavy rain, the entrance and exit to the event site remain closed. Driving is not allowed until the desert surface dries, except for emergency vehicles," the Burning Man cultural event 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 the rain will stop by the evening of September 3 (around the morning of September 4, Hanoi time).

Burning Man participants walk on mud in the desert on September 2. Photo: Reuters — Burning Man participants walk on mud in the desert on September 2. Photo: *Reuters*

Hours of rain turned the Nevada desert area where Burning Man is held into ankle-deep mud. Officials with the Pershing County Sheriff's Office said about 70,000 people were stranded, adding that some people tried to leave but most vehicles were immobilized.

Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen said he is investigating one death from the incident, but the cause is not yet known.

Burning Man organizers say they are prepared for situations like this and are prioritizing evacuations. Nevada police say resources across the state have been mobilized to assist those with medical needs at the event.

Heavy rain leaves 70,000 festival-goers stranded in US desert — 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.