"An extraordinary acceleration of the crisis" was how United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) spokesman Adrien Edwards characterized developments in the Syrian refugee situation this month. UNHCR announced last Friday that it has expanded its services to include southern Lebanon where 7,500 of the estimated 70,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon reside. The arrival of these refugees is raising concerns for the Lebanese government.

On August 31, UNHCR reported that the number of Syrians who settled in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa Valley the week before was 2,200, or roughly double the rate of the previous week. While the gravity of the situation is attracting worldwide attention, actress Angelina Jolie made a visit this month to Syrian refugees in Lebanon, current levels of money and support aren't keeping pace with the need.

UNHCR initially requested $84.1 million in March to assist Syrian refugees across Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, and Turkey. Since then, the organization has increased its funding request to $193 million. But even that may not be enough. In a September 4th meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly said he expected the UN to appeal again to donors in light of the continuing refugee flow.

While UNHCR funding constitutes the largest source of aid to Syrian refugees in the region, Lebanon has received other smaller forms of assistance earmarked specifically for refugees within its borders. Saudi Arabia has allocated $3.7 million of relief aid for Syrian families in Lebanon, the UAE Red Crescent has distributed almost $2 million, and last month China pledged $4.7 million in aid for Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. Even Hezbollah, which previously had no policy toward Syrian refugees, sent a delegation to Lebanese villages last Monday, where they met with local officials and distributed aid.

A shortage of funds ultimately translates into an inability to adequately manage and provide for the needs of new arrivals. Increasingly, Syrian refugees in Lebanon are facing a difficult time finding shelter. In Beirut, the city's policy prohibiting the establishment of refugee camps means refugees are staying with families, renting apartments, or staying in large shelters such as schools. However, such solutions are temporary, especially with many schools opening to students soon. Plans are currently underway to identify and refurbish abandoned buildings across Lebanon to house refugees. Beirut schools will continue to bear extra burdens as they attempt to integrate 8,000 Syrian children into the city's school system in efforts to provide education to refugee children.

Addressing the refugees' basic health needs has also become more difficult as their numbers grow. Doctors Without Borders, a medical relief organization that has been providing assistance to Syrians in Lebanon, reported that many refugees are traumatized, living in overcrowded conditions, and unable to get treatment for common chronic diseases including diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular problems.

It appears unlikely that the refugee flow will slow anytime soon. The violence that has driven so many Syrians from their homes continues to contribute to deteriorating conditions within the country. The World Health Organization said that in the Syrian city of Homs alone, 550,000 people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, the UN remains in gridlock on the issue, unlikely to undertake any "safety-zone" or intervention measures.