TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Constant rainfall in Taitung has led sections of the Southern Cross-Island Highway to become impassable.

According to data from the Central Weather Administration, the accumulated rainfall in Dawu Township at 8 a.m. Monday reached 264 mm. And in nearby Taitung City, accumulation reached 150 mm, per CNA.

A slope collapse at the 186-kilometer section of Provincial Highway 20 (the exit section of the Southern Cross-Island Highway) blocked the highway in both directions. Road repair crews have been dispatched with excavators to restore traffic.

The CWA warns residents of Taitung's mountainous areas to be mindful of landslides, falling rocks, and mudslides. Those living in low-lying areas should also be prepared for flooding as well as potential lightning strikes, strong gusts of wind, and surging streams.

In Taitung City, Gengsheng North Road and Nanwang Road remain flooded with yellow muddy water. Lianhang Road is also flooded, leading a passerby to fall into a ditch, requiring rescue, per CNA.

"My greatest fear is being realized," said Fengrong borough chief, Shih Hao-hsuan (施皓軒). He was concerned about flooding since heavy rain began last night, with water in some places knee-deep.

An elderly lady in the area had to be carried out of her house to make a dialysis appointment. DPP Taitung County Councilor Jian Wei-guo (簡維國) coordinated with the borough chief and other neighbors to carry her to a nearby intersection to board a vehicle to the hospital.