A landslide has cut off traffic on Taiwan's Central Cross-Island Highway in Hualien County, with crews aiming to reopen the road by late afternoon.

• Days of steady rain triggered a slope collapse at the Hualu Creek stretch of Provincial Highway 8, blocking the road on Wednesday morning.
• The slide dropped roughly 1,000 cubic meters of rock and soil across a 30-meter stretch.
• Highway crews and heavy machinery were sent in right away, with traffic held back at both ends of the damage zone.
• Electronic signs at nearby junctions are warning drivers away so no one enters the blocked section.

Outlook: Officials expect the road open again by 4 p.m., but more rain could bring fresh slides on mountain routes.