Vanuatu earthquake: Port Vila embassy building among those damaged in 7.4 magnitude earthquake

Vanuatu has been rocked by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, triggering landslides and damaging buildings — including one that houses the New Zealand, Britain, France and the US embassies.

The quake hit 29km west of the country’s capital Port Vila on the island of Efate at a depth of 10km.

It was followed by a 5.5 magnitude aftershock close by.

A tsunami warning issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s tsunami warning system soon after has now been lifted.

In its earlier alert, the US authorities said tsunami waves had been observed and hazardous tsunami waves of 0.3 to 1m were forecast for some coasts close to the earthquake zone.

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

Vision of locals making their way to higher ground is being posted to social media, along with footage of damaged buildings and debris left after the earthquake.

A building that houses the diplomatic embassies of New Zealand, Britain, France and the US, the La Casa D’Andrea e Luciano, appears to have been extensively damaged.

Footage posted shows the building with smashed windows and collapsed concrete pillars One post suggests the entire first floor had been wiped out.