A Jewish centre was among the buildings damaged by a devastating earthquake in New Zealand.

There are also concerns that an Israeli tourist was among the estimated 65 people killed when the 6.3 magnitude tremor hit New Zealand’s second city.

The earthquake also hit Christchurch’s Chabad headquarters, leaving those inside just minutes to escape outside as the building collapsed.

Christchurch, which is home to a small Jewish community and one synagogue, is a popular spot for Israeli backpackers, who take advantage of the Chabad facilities in the city.

Chabad rabbi Shmuel Freedman said he and his colleagues were now working with rescue teams to identify if anybody in the area was missing.

“We are working very hard to help everybody,” he said.

The earthquake struck just five months after an even stronger quake wrought havoc across the city.