A dispute over access to water in eastern Chad turned into deadly violence, leaving dozens dead after retaliatory attacks spread across communities.

Authorities say the confrontation began between two families at a water point in Igote, a village in the Wadi Fira province near the Sudanese border. What started as a localized clash on Saturday quickly escalated, triggering a chain of reprisals that expanded across a wide area.

Deputy Prime Minister Limane Mahamat, who visited the scene on Sunday, confirmed that 42 people lost their lives while 10 others sustained injuries. Those wounded have since been transported to the provincial health center for treatment.

READ ALSO: Chad to send 1,500 troops to Haiti in bid to curb surging gang violence

According to Mahamat, the violence intensified as retaliatory attacks moved beyond the initial site, prompting military deployment. He said the army’s rapid intervention helped bring the situation under control, describing the response as “swift” and effective in containing further escalation.

In the aftermath, the government has initiated both traditional and formal responses. Mahamat announced the start of a “customary mediation” process aimed at easing tensions within the affected community, alongside judicial proceedings to establish criminal responsibility.

Clashes tied to competition over natural resources are not uncommon in Chad. Similar violence occurred last year in the southwest, where confrontations between farmers and herders resulted in 42 deaths and widespread destruction of homes, the AP reported.

The government has pledged to act decisively to prevent further instability, particularly in the fragile border region where the latest violence occurred. Mahamat emphasized that “all necessary measures” would be taken to safeguard the area.

Eastern Chad has been under growing strain in recent months, as it absorbs large numbers of people fleeing the ongoing war in Sudan. Hundreds of thousands have crossed into Chad, placing pressure on already limited resources and heightening security concerns.

In February, Chad shut its border with Sudan “until further notice,” citing repeated incursions by fighters linked to rival Sudanese factions and fears of the conflict spilling over.

READ ALSO: Chad opposition leader Success Masra sentenced to 20 years over deadly May clashes

The war in Sudan has already claimed more than 40,000 lives, according to United Nations estimates, though aid organizations warn the actual toll could be significantly higher. The crisis has displaced over 14 million people, making it the largest humanitarian emergency globally, while also triggering disease outbreaks and pushing parts of the country toward famine.