Over 72,000 people are trapped in the Nevada desert.
Photo credit: Josh Lease – Burning Man Official Website
Burning Man, the festival held annually in the Nevada desert, has been affected by heavy rains, causing the venue to fill completely with mud. More than 72,000 attendees are now stranded in the desert, with the event’s exit roads expected to reopen on Monday.
According to authorities, entry and exit roads to the desert were closed on Saturday, and attendees were advised to keep food, water, and fuel. Organizers have encouraged participants to remain calm and assured them that the festival was designed to withstand adverse conditions, such as flooding. However, the situation remains critical as authorities investigate a possible death and work to reopen the roads.
Despite some people leaving the site on foot through the thick mud, most RVs are stuck in place, according to Sergeant Nathan Carmichael of the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office.
As of Sunday night, approximately 72,000 people remain on site, according to an update posted by Burning Man organizers. While conditions are improving on the playa, the Black Rock City roads are still too wet and muddy to officially open for Exodus on Sunday 9/3. The situation remains fluid, and attendees are advised to stay up to date with the latest information on the festival’s website.
To get updated information, visit the Burning Man official page here.
Please stay off of Gate Road — rain and mud make it impassable at the moment. We have created alternative routes that, if used on Monday, you will be flagged to the best area to drive across. Visit https://t.co/Wukmk4xbqV to see all new BRC updates.
— Burning Man Traffic (@bmantraffic) September 4, 2023
