Heavy rain at the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert has left around 64,000 people stranded after the ground turned into a swamp. Although conditions are improving and some have managed to leave, many vehicles remain stuck with wheels spinning in the mud. The event's climax, the burning of the man, has been postponed until Monday.
Some celebrities documented their difficult journeys out. DJ Diplo shared on Instagram that he and comedian Chris Rock walked six miles through the mud before a fan gave them a ride in a pickup truck. Other revellers have chosen to stay, with many helping each other amid the challenging conditions.
Martyna Sowa, a dancer who was scheduled to perform, told the BBC that the mud makes it very hard to move around, including to the toilet. She said some people were not well prepared, but seasoned festivalgoers have shared extra food and water. 'It is great to see all the people helping each other and being in good spirits,' she added.
Justin Schuman, a first-time attendee, described the mud as 'really, really wet and really, really slick' and warned of alkaline burns known as 'Playa Foot'. He said the situation brought out resilience and community spirit, with strangers helping each other. After the burning of the man, it took him six hours to drive out of the desert.
Ashley Smith from London said he and five friends walked six miles to the nearest road and then another ten miles to a town after police stopped vehicles from leaving. Chelsea Gold and her husband decided to stay, expressing sadness but acceptance. The festival continues amid the mud, with many waiting for conditions to improve.
