video transcript

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. 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. Landslides triggered by the earthquake are complicating rescue efforts. But one survivor said the community would emerge united from the tragedy. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) RESIDENT, ARNULFO PORTILLO, SAYING: "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." 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. The quake was the strongest to hit Guatemala since a 7.5 magnitude quake in 1976 claimed more than 20,000 lives.