Climber Natalia Nagovitsyna was injured while descending Victory Peak in Kyrgyzstan on August 12, fracturing her leg and becoming trapped near the summit. Despite early aid from nearby climbers, worsening weather has forced officials to pause rescue operations.
The mountain, soaring over 24,000 feet, presents extreme challenges. Italian climber Luca Sinigaglia lost his life trying to bring supplies to Natalia amid the dangerous conditions.
Drones spotted Natalia on August 19, raising hopes, but storms have intensified, and freezing temperatures halted efforts by August 23.
Officials say rescue is nearly impossible without specialized helicopters, which the country does not have. The terrain is so severe that no one has ever been evacuated manually from that altitude.
Natalia previously faced tragedy when her husband died during a mountaineering rescue, underscoring the risks she endures.
Efforts continue, but her fate remains uncertain as nature holds the area in grip.
