THE UNDP gave tools and equipment to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) yesterday to assist with Maritime islands severely affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.

The rehabilitation tools, inclusive of chainsaws, brush-cutters, wheelbarrows, pinch-bars, crow-bars, hammers, rechargeable solar lanterns, seven 200 litre drums of fuel as well as kits containing shovels, nails and cutting tools have a value of $100,000.

The UNDP deputy resident representative Akiko Fujii presented the aid to the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, and National Disaster Management permanent secretary, Meleti Bainimarama on Thursday.

Ms Fujii said the timely aid would go a long way in helping Fijians in Vanuabalavu and the Lomaiviti Group recover and rebuild after Severe TC Winston.