Images of widespread damage are emerging from Vanuatu after a magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck near the capital, Port Vila.

The quake hit 37km from the city at 12:53pm AEDT.

The United States Geological Survey said it struck at a depth of 57km, although the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii reported the quake struck at 10km in depth.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially reported tsunami waves had been observed, and predicted waves of up to 1 metre along some parts of Vanuatu's coastline, but later said there was no tsunami threat.

The Bureau of Meteorology said there was no tsunami threat to Australia.

Dan McGarry, a local journalist in Port Vila, said it was a "violent, high-frequency shake" that lasted for about 30 seconds.

He said there were sirens being heard around the capital.

Video footage posted to social media shows damage to the building hosting the US and French embassies, and the United Kingdom and New Zealand High Commissions in Port Vila.

Another video shows a building on the city's main street had partially collapsed and crushed vehicles underneath.

An image posted to social media appeared to show a landslide had buried part of Port Vila's wharf.

Witnesses have reported major landslides near the capital.

Communications appear to have been largely cut off, not only to the capital but the rest of the country too.

Vanuatu government websites were offline in the aftermath of the quake and phone numbers for the police and other public agencies did not connect.

The Pacific Island nation is still recovering from the impact of three major cyclones in 2023.