OXFAM HAS SAID that the sheer volume of refugees fleeing war-torn Syria has simply overwhelmed the ability of humanitarian bodies to care for them.

About 5,000 refugees are leaving the country every day – about 1,500 more than had been leaving every day only two months ago.

The significant number of refugees means that the UN’s fears of a “worst-case scenario” – that up to a million people could flee the country by June – could be reached significantly ahead of that time.

“The humanitarian crisis is worsening day by day, leaving agencies struggling to provide help that’s desperately needed,” Oxfam Ireland chief executive Jim Clarken said.

“Money that was generously promised a month ago is urgently needed now, to allow agencies to continue providing basic services like food, water and shelter, to ever-growing refugee populations.”

Over €1.1 billion in aid for Syria was pledged at an international conference in Kuwait last month, but only a fifth of that amount has so far been received.

Oxfam commended Syria’s neighbouring states of Jordan and Lebanon for keeping their borders open in spite of the massive numbers of refugees.

Jordan has received over 50,000 refugees from Syria this month, and the Zaatari refugee camp just over the border now houses about 120,000 people – close to its maximum capacity.

This has presented challenges of its own, as humanitarian bodies who had planned to install water and hygiene facilities in unpopulated areas of the camps have had to supply the services on a crisis basis to deal with the influx of refugees.

“Even if there was an immediate halt to the violence today, there will be massive humanitarian needs that will need to be addressed for months and years to come,” Clarken said, appealing for aid to assist Oxfam in its work. “There is no quick fix.”

The lack of basic commodities inside Syria, and the difficulty in maintaining safe water in refugee camps, means the region faces significant risks of water-based diseases like Hepatitis A and typhoid.

Donations to Oxfam Ireland’s Syria appeal can made online by calling 1850 30 40 55.