Heavy rain has shut down work, schools, and government passport services across six counties and cities in southern and eastern Taiwan, disrupting travel plans for anyone needing documents.

• Kaohsiung, Hualien, and four other areas called off work and school for the day because of torrential rain.
• The foreign ministry's southern and eastern branch offices closed, so no passports can be issued or collected there.
• People with urgent travel can still get help from the central and Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan offices, or the bureau's emergency line at Taoyuan airport.
• Proof of urgency is required, such as a plane ticket for the next day or two.
• Anyone who booked an online appointment for the closed day can reuse the same time slot on any working day within two weeks.

Outlook: Offices should reopen once the rain eases, but more storms could trigger further closures during the current wet spell.