MEXICO CITY: A new quake sowed panic in Mexico City on Saturday, suspending rescue operations to free survivors from the earlier, more powerful earthquake this week that devastated parts of the capital.

The seismic disturbance, with a magnitude of 6.1, was smaller and farther to the south than the 7.1-magnitude one that struck on Tuesday, killing nearly 300 people and toppling 39 buildings in the capital.

But as an alarm sounded, hundreds of residents raced out into the street, some barefoot, some carrying children. Trauma from the previous quake was evident.

“Oh God, have mercy,” exclaimed Teresa Martinez, 74, who had run out in to the street for safety. She stood with other women, all crying.

Two women died of heart attacks as they tried to evacuate their homes, according to local media reports. One was in her 80s and the other was 52, according to the website of the daily Reforma.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2017