New quake spreads fear

A MAGNITUDE 6.2 earthquake that shook Mexico on Saturday was blamed for five deaths, spreading fear among a population reeling from multiple natural disasters and interrupting the search for survivors from a bigger tremor earlier last week.

South of Mexico City, the Popocatepetl volcano sent a column of ash into the sky, capping a period of seismic activity that has killed more than 400 people and caused damages of up to $US8 billion ($A10 billion).

Terrified residents crouched and prayed when the earthquake alarms went off.