Officials in Sudan say at least 6,000 Ethiopians have arrived in the country, fleeing the fighting in Tigray province across the border.
The Sudanese authorities are preparing for a further 200,000 people to cross in the coming days.
A refugee camp to handle the influx of people is being set up, with aid groups warning of a looming humanitarian crisis.
Ethiopia’s prime minister has mounted a military attack in Tigray against local leaders who have challenged the central government’s authority.
Hundreds have been killed in the clashes.
