A violent clash between two clans in central Somalia over the weekend has killed at least 55 people and injured 155 others, Reuters reported on Monday citing locals and medical sources.

The fighting erupted between the Dir and Marihan clans on Saturday in Abudwaq and Herale towns in Galmudug region over grazing land and watering points, said Farah Nur, a clan elder and resident of Herale.

"Government forces came late. Unfortunately 55 people died, this includes both clans," he told Reuters.

Sources from hospitals in Herale, Abuwaq and two other adjacent towns also confirmed to Reuters that they had attended to 115 people who were wounded in the fighting.