N'DJAMENA: At least 42 people were killed in eastern Chad after a clash between two families over a water point escalated into a cycle of reprisals, the country's deputy prime minister said late Sunday.

Limane Mahamat said during a visit to the village of Igote, in the Wadi Fira province, near the border with Sudan, where the clashes occurred on Saturday, that 42 people were killed and 10 wounded. He said those injured were evacuated to the provincial health centre.

Mahamat said the cycle of reprisals had spread over a fairly large area, prompting an intervention by the army. He said the “swift response” by the military helped contain the clashes and that the situation is now “under control."

The deputy prime minister announced the launch of a 'customary mediation' process in the village and of judicial proceedings to determine criminal responsibility.

Intercommunal clashes over resources are common in the Central African country. Last year, clashes between farmers and herders in southwestern Chad left 42 people dead and several homes burned.

Mahamat said the government will take “all necessary measures” to prevent a destabilisation of the border area.

Chad's eastern provinces have for several months been hosting refugees fleeing the war in Sudan and are facing increasing pressure on resources and security.

In February, Chad closed its border with “until further notice,” calling it an attempt to limit the spread of conflict into its territory after multiple crossings by fighters with the warring Sudanese factions.