Handout photo shows members of the Taiwan military working to build a bridge across the Chihpen river during rescue operations near the flood-effected area of Chihpen, in southeastern Taiwan's Taitung county. Photo: AFP

Taiwan has appealed for international technical assistance to help rescue more than 2,000 people stranded after Typhoon Morakot caused major mudslides.
The Taiwanese authorities say they need giant cargo aircraft able to drop large earth diggers and other machinery into remote mountain areas to re-open roads.
Correspondents say only Russia and the US are believed to have such aircraft.
Relatives of those stranded and of the hundreds feared dead have urged the government to speed up rescue efforts.
Many have been waiting for days at the rescue operation centre in Qishan for news of family members missing since the typhoon struck over the weekend.