In Syria, an estimated 6,000 people have fled their homes in Qarah, making their way over the border into eastern Lebanon. The spark for the displacement is the reported escalation of violence in Qarah and surrounding villages. Most of the newly arrived refugees are now in Arsal, in north-east Lebanon. Arsal, which lies not far from the border area, is home to a population of some 60,000 people, including - already prior to the latest influx - 20,000 registered refugees.