Dozens of people killed in Chad in conflict between two families over water source

At least 42 people have been killed in Chad after a conflict between two families over a water source escalated into a series of reprisals, Chadian Deputy Prime Minister Liman Mahamat said.

Mahamat said during a visit to the village of Igote, where clashes took place on Saturday, that 42 people were killed and 10 wounded.

He added that the injured were evacuated to the provincial health center.

Mahamat said the retaliation spread over a fairly large area, leading to the intervention of the military.

He said the military's quick response helped contain the conflict and that the situation was now under control.

Conflicts over resources are common in Chad. Last year, clashes between farmers and herders in southwestern Chad left dozens of people dead and several houses burned.

The eastern provinces of Chad have been receiving refugees fleeing the war in Sudan for several months and are facing increasing pressure on resources and security.

According to the United Nations, more than 40.000 people have died in the war in Sudan, but humanitarian groups say the true number could be much higher.