Japan is preparing to send the Self-Defense Forces to rescue its nationals living in Sudan, amid military clashes in the African country, the top government spokesman said Wednesday.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno holds an emergency press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on April 19, 2023. (Kyodo)

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at an emergency press conference there were no reports of injuries among the around 60 Japanese people living in Sudan.

But the nationals, including officials of the nation's embassy and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, are in a "severe situation" due to shortage of drinking water and food, he said.

Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi has requested Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada to take the necessary steps to launch the rescue mission, Matsuno added.

In Sudan, clashes started on Saturday between the country's armed forces and a paramilitary group, called Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, leaving more than 270 people dead and over 2,600 others injured.

Explosions were heard in the capital city of Khartoum and elsewhere on Tuesday despite an agreed ceasefire, according to local media.