Typhoon Champi brushed past Guam this week, and the island's main hospital came through it in better shape than many expected. Guam Memorial Hospital stayed open the whole time, delivered 16 babies before and during the storm, and reported no major injuries or facility damage.

Champi passed roughly 10 miles south of Guam after Governor Lou Leon Guerrero raised Condition of Readiness 1 — the island's highest storm alert — at 1 p.m. the previous day. Thirteen of those newborns arrived during the lower-alert COR 2 phase and three at COR 1. The hospital also sheltered 13 expectant mothers through the worst of the weather, though none of them ended up delivering on site.

The governor toured the facility shortly after the storm moved on and was clearly relieved. No power loss, no flooding like past typhoons brought, and only the odd minor leak and brief power flicker. Backup generators kicked in before the storm's closest approach as a precaution.

It's a notable turnaround for a hospital that has struggled in previous storms. Past typhoons Bavi and Sinlaku caused serious flooding, water leaks and even patient displacement at GMH. This time, roof upgrades and exterior weatherproofing appear to have done their job, and the hospital credits early coordination between departments for keeping staffing levels solid through the storm.

The emergency department saw only three typhoon-related cases: one person who fell in the wind with minor injuries, one needing a medication refill because pharmacies were shut, and one with high blood pressure while storm-prepping. All three were treated and discharged.

For anyone travelling to Guam during typhoon season — roughly June through December — this is genuinely useful news. The island's healthcare system held up under a direct-ish hit, meaning travellers caught in a storm can count on functioning emergency care even at the height of an event. The hospital's administrator did note the ER was busy and asking for patience, so minor issues can wait a beat.

Standard storm-season advice still applies: keep an eye on forecasts if you're heading to the island between summer and autumn, know where your accommodation's shelter areas are, and expect pharmacies and some services to close briefly during a COR 1 declaration. But Champi was, by all accounts, a test the island passed — power stayed on, care continued, and 16 families went home with new arrivals.