Tens of thousands of people attending the Burning Man festival in Nevada’s Black Rock desert have been told to stay in their camps and conserve food and water after a rainstorm turned the event into a mud bath.
A satellite view shows the center camp during the 2023 Burning Man festival, in Black Rock Desert, Nevada, before rain turned the site to mud-Image Source: The Guardian
The slow-moving rainstorm began on Friday night and continued into Saturday, dumping several inches of rain on the desert floor. The rain caused flooding and mudslides, making it difficult for people to move around.
Event organizers said that no driving is permitted on the playa, except for emergency vehicles. They have also asked people to shelter in place and stay safe.
The weather-related disruptions have caused the cancellation of multiple large-scale art burns, and the festival centerpieces, which include a huge human effigy and a “Temple of the Heart,” are in doubt.
The festival this year was already taking place under unusual circumstances, as the desert floor was flooded by the remnants of Hurricane Hilary as the event was being set up.
In addition to the rain, the festival has also been affected by anti-capitalist environmental protesters who briefly blocked entrance to the event. There have also been reports that thousands of regular attendees were trying to get rid of their tickets before the festival started.
Last year, Burning Man drew approximately 80,000 people. This year, only about 60,000 were expected.
The rain has turned the Burning Man festival into a mud bath, and organizers are urging people to stay safe and conserve food and water.
The festival is scheduled to end on Monday, but it is unclear if it will be able to continue under these conditions.
