1 person killed, over 70,000 stranded due to flash flooding at ‘Burning Man’ festival in Nevada desert.
Death Investigated at Burning Man Festival Amidst Flash Flooding
Local authorities in the Nevada desert are investigating at least one death at the Burning Man festival after rain and flash flooding forced tens of thousands of attendees to shelter in place and conserve resources on Saturday.
Although the deceased person’s identity or the cause of death has not been publicly released, authorities said family members have been notified.
Thick, ankle-deep mud overwhelmed more than 70,000 people attending the annual weeklong summer festival in Black Rock City, Nevada, as heavy rain poured in the area for several hours, leaving festival-goers stranded.
The Burning Man festival, known for its unique blend of self-sufficiency and radical self-expression, has been drawing up to 100,000 people to the remote area roughly 100 miles away from Reno since the 1980s. The event culminates with the burning of a giant wooden effigy.
This year’s event began on August 27 and was scheduled to end Monday. However, due to heavy rains and flooding, the festival’s entrance gate was closed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office officials.
Due to recent rainfall, the Bureau of Land Management and the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office officials have closed the entrance to Burning Man for the remainder of the event. Please avoid traveling to the area; you will be turned around. All event access is closed. pic.twitter.com/BY8Rv7eFLD
— Washoe Sheriff (@WashoeSheriff) September 2, 2023
“More rain is expected over the next few days and conditions are not expected to improve enough to allow vehicles to enter the playa,” the Bureau of Land Management said in a statement reported by the Reno Gazette Journal.
Despite the closure, the Burning Man Project urged attendees to stay in place until the ground becomes safe enough to travel. The organization has been providing medical supplies, buses, and other vehicles to assist those who may have started walking out of the desert.
Community Support and Preparedness
The Burning Man Project emphasized the community’s preparedness and support for one another during this challenging situation. They have implemented safety measures and are actively planning for the Exodus, the event’s next priority.
Fox Weather reported that flood watches remain in effect through Sunday across the region due to the forecasted heavy rain.
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