Forty Irish people were evacuated from Lesotho yesterday afternoon.
They left in a convoy of vehicles which left at 4.30 p.m. and brought them to Ladybrand in South Africa.
A further 60 Irish people decided to stay, and according to the Department of Foreign Affairs they did not appear to be in danger. Most of the Irish in Lesotho are involved in the Irish Aid programme which began in that country in the 1960s. Current projects include education programmes for trainee teachers, accountants and laboratory technicians.
Ireland has a consul general in Lesotho, Mr Tom Wright, and is one of only two EU states - Britain is the other - which has full-time diplomatic representation there.
The Department spokesman said the Irish residents were given the option of being evacuated as a precaution. Those who left joined other foreigners in a 100-strong convoy of cars which was accompanied by a military escort.
The Irish remaining have been advised to stay indoors and not to leave their homes unnecessarily. "The majority decided to stay and all the information we have suggests that they are not in danger," he added.
Many of those involved in Irish Aid have taken career breaks from jobs at home. It's understood the Irish community in Lesotho also includes members of religious orders.
The Department, which says it has been closely monitoring the situation in Lesotho for the past six weeks, has also advised people not to travel there.