FIFTY people are thought to have died in violence among miners in Papua New Guinea, a United Nations official has said.

According to the South Pacific island nation’s government, fighting began days ago and continues in the Porgera Valley, in the Enga province.

The UN’s humanitarian adviser for Papua New Guinea, Mate Bagossy, said the death toll of at least 20 as of Sunday was based on information from community members and local authorities.

Mr Bagossy said: “We have confirmed that at least 20 people have been killed, but as per the last news that I have, it’s likely up to 50 people.

“The fighting is continuing.”

He added: “Today some security forces have started moving in so it remains to be seen what effect this will have.”

Mr Bagossy did not have information on the numbers wounded.

National Police Commissioner David Manning said an emergency had been declared on Saturday after the violence escalated, with police mobilising to protect residents and infrastructure.

“The deteriorating situation has been caused by illegal miners and illegal settlers who are victimising traditional landowners and using violence to terrorise local communities,” Mr Manning said in a statement.

The nearby New Porgera gold mine has halted most of its operations because of the violence until at least Thursday.

“Over the past 24 hours a significant escalation in tribal fighting has impacted many of our local employees. Homes have been destroyed, family and friends injured or killed, and people have been unable to sleep while living in fear,” New Porgera General Manager James McTiernan said in a statement on Sunday.

“I am incredibly saddened by these devastating events and sincerely hope that the government will soon restore peace to the valley,” Mr McTiernan added.

Tribal warfare is a growing problem across Papua New Guinea and is rife in Enga, where a massive landslide in May is estimated to have buried thousands of villagers.

The UN estimated 670 villagers had died, while the Papua New Guinea government said more than 2,000 people had been buried.

An unknown number of refugees from tribal violence in neighbouring areas are thought to be among the casualties, adding to the complications in calculating a credible death toll.