A typhoon has blasted through the northern Philippines, leaving at least 38 people dead and forcing more than half a million to flee its wind and rain.

Chinese rescuers searching the rubble of a collapsed bridge for dozens of missing people recovered seven bodies today, bringing the death toll to 36, as the government warned builders nationwide to learn from the disaster.

The collapse of a bridge under construction that left at least 29 people dead in a Chinese tourist town rekindled concerns today about rushed, shoddy building amid China’s torrid economic expansion.

A stone bridge being built in China collapsed, killing at least 14 people and injuring 22, state media reported today.