Typhoon Parma has claimed the lives of at least 17 people in the northern Philippines. Devastating winds have blow roofs from houses. Many roads are blocked by fallen trees and electricity pylons.

Parma appeared to be heading for the capital Manila as it approached the Philippines, but changed course at the last moment. This was a relief to the capital, which had already been hit by severe weather caused by Tropical Storm Ketsana. At least 300 of the city's inhabitants were killed.

Ketsana has also wreaked havoc in Vietnam, where the death toll stands at 160, hundreds have been injured, and a number of people are missing. The storm also caused dozens of casualties in Cambodia and Laos.

Typhoon Parma is now expected to head towards Taiwan, where preparations are being made to withstand the severe weather. In August the country was hit by Typhoon Morakot, which claimed 600 lives.