Death rate amongst internally displaced people in Sudan's Darfur region is much higher than the expected rate and surpasses the threshold for a humanitarian emergency, according to a survey published on Monday.

The mortality survey was conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Sudan's Ministry of Health in two areas in the northern and western parts of Darfur.

The result of the survey underscores the need for urgent increases in, and focus on, assistance to displaced people in the region, WHO said in a press release.

The survey, which looked at overall deaths and their causes between June 15 and Aug. 15 this year, found the crude mortality rate to be 1.5 deaths per 10,000 people per day in north Darfur, and 2.9 in west Darfur.

The survey was also started in south Darfur, but data are so far incomplete, according to WHO.

"This survey confirms what the humanitarian community has suspected for some weeks. The results, along with the other information gathered by our staff, tell us that the people in Darfur need more assistance," WHO Director-General Lee Jong-wook said in a statement.

"Thousands, including thousands of children under five, are dying every month from diseases which can be easily prevented and treated. Increased and better focused action is now vital," he added.

The survey found that diarrhea, which is often caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation, in particular is linked to the deaths of half to three-quarters of the children under five.

Some households reported deaths due to violence -- particularly among men in the age group 15-49 years. Injuries and violence were linked to 15 percent of total deaths.

In the several months since the government of Sudan eased visa and access restrictions, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and the government of Sudan have ratcheted up the delivery of relief assistance, said WHO.

(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2004)