The spread of slingshot-style weapons that shoot metal darts has worsened violence and led to a rise in traumatic injuries in Papua New Guinea’s north-eastern East Sepik province, authorities and medical officials said in the wake of attacks in the area that left dozens dead.

Last month, attacks by young men on three remote villages in East Sepik’s Angoram district killed at least 26 people including women and children, though estimates of the total number killed have varied.

Speaking from UN-run care centres at Angoram district headquarters, survivors told the Guardian that 63 people were killed. The survivors asked to remain anonymous because they were told by local authorities not to speak to the media. The UN said the death toll…