Eight people have been found dead after a landslide buried homes on Tahiti.

Police and emergency services were deployed to search for missing residents believed to be trapped under 30 metres of debris and soil which covered multiple houses in Maohi Nui on the main island of French Polynesia.

The landslide came following a week of torrential rain.

The disaster struck in the early hours of Wednesday morning in the village of Afaahiti-Taravao, in southeast Tahiti, with French Polynesian authorities continuing to look for bodies in recent days.

Nearby residents of the affected homes were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Emergency crews reported the site was highly unstable and that its operation was extremely dangerous.

Detector dogs, drones, underground cameras, radar, medical emergency teams, and an army helicopter have been employed during the search operation which involved about 200 emergency staff, gendarmes and firemen.

One of the victims is a three-year-old child believed to be trapped under the rubble.

Earlier in the hillside village, search operations had to come to a halt over fears of more landslides and the potential collapse of whole portions of the mountain.

French high commissioner, Alexandre Rochatte, announced an investigation for "manslaughter" was underway to establish the cause of the tragedy and whether the affected buildings and location met dwelling requirements for the area.

Mr Rochette said ongoing building regulations and requirements have become "stricter".

French Polynesia's territory president, Moetai Brotherson, has also visited the site.

"This type of tragedy reminds us why there are rules," he said.

"Some of these houses are over 40 years old."

Mr Brotherson said a medico-psychological assistance unit remained active to assist nearby residents cope with the disaster.

All flags at public buildings in French Polynesia have been flying at half-mast and Friday's sitting of the Territorial Assembly was marked by one minute of silence, paying homage to the victims.

Mr Brotherson said an ecumenical religious service has also been conducted.

Messages of condolence, support and solidarity have flowed, including from French president Emmanuel Macron and French minister for Overseas Territories, Naïma Moutchou.

A team of geological experts have been sent from Paris as well as nearby New Caledonia to determine whether the landslide-affected zone was secure or not.