The first international shipment of humanitarian aid has arrived in Port Sudan following the outbreak of conflict in the country, the International Committee of the Red Cross has said.

The eight tonnes of cargo contains surgical material for Sudanese hospitals and volunteers from the Sudan Red Crescent Society, including anaesthetics, dressings and sutures.

Patrick Youssef, ICRC regional director for Africa, said: “Health-care workers in Sudan have been doing the impossible, caring for the wounded without water, electricity, and basic medical supplies.

“The logistics needed to bring in supplies amid an active conflict are extremely difficult, and we’re relieved to get this medical material into the country.”