Rescue workers in San Marcos, Guatemala are working around the clock after a powerful 7.4 earthquake devestated the area, killing at least 48 and injuring hundreds on Wednesday.<br/> <br />Thousands of soldiers, police and emergency response teams have been deployed to quake-ravaged areas to scour through rubble for survivors and help local authorities distribute emergency rations.<br/> <br />Landslides triggered by the earthquake are complicating rescue efforts.<br/> <br />But one survivor said the community would emerge united from the tragedy.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) RESIDENT, ARNULFO PORTILLO, SAYING:<br/> <br />"It was hard, it was scary. Everyone running all over the place, others screaming. Thank God that we were saved, there are many families who were affected but we're united, we're a people united and we will get out of this."<br/> <br />Touring San Marcos in the wake of the disaster, President Otto Perez paid tribute to local hospital staff working non-stop to treat injured residents.<br/> <br />The quake was the strongest to hit Guatemala since a 7.5 magnitude quake in 1976 claimed more than 20,000 lives.
