Tropical Storm Jude today affected the repatriation of Mozambican refugees in neighboring Malawi, due to the rising water levels of the River Shire.

According to the provincial delegate of the National Disaster Management Institute, Helder da Costa, quoted by "Notícias", 1,230 families had been repatriated by Monday (10).

These are families who fled the district of Morrumbala, in Zambezia province, due to the insecurity caused by the violent post-election demonstrations in that part of the province.

Costa said that the change in the weather conditioned the conclusion of the operation, which was scheduled for Tuesday.

"In all, more than 7,000 people have taken refuge in Malawi and more than 5,000 have already been repatriated, with just over 2,000 more to go," he explained to the newspaper.

"It was only possible to repatriate 500 between Monday and Tuesday, due to the change in the weather, which affected navigation on the River Shire," he said.

Helder da Costa said that the teams are on the ground in order to proceed with the operation as soon as the metrological conditions are favorable.

The repatriated families have already received a great deal of support and he assured that food assistance for the repatriated citizens will continue for the next three months.