Taiwan appeals for foreign help

The Taiwanese authorities are appealing for international technical assistance to rescue more than 2,000 people stranded after Typhoon Morakot caused major mudslides.



The authorities say they need giant cargo aircrafts to transport earth diggers and other machinery into remote mountain areas to reopen roads.



However only the US and Russia are believed to have such aircraft.



Relatives of the people stranded or feared dead have urged the government to speed up rescue efforts.



Nearly 14 thousand people have now been evacuated by air from the worst affected areas.



Military helicopters have been dropping provisions for others, but BBC reports say continuing rain has hampered their efforts.