Devastation in the mountainous state of San Marcos in Guatemala - as shown on a local TV station. Scores of people trapped under rubble after an earthquake - which measured 7.4 on the Richter scale - struck 15 miles south of its Pacific coast. It claimed the lives of at least 48 people across the country, destroying homes, cars and businesses.

The tremor hit at around half past ten yesterday morning as the working day was in full swing. Damage was reported in all but one of its 22 states. Shaking was even felt as far away as Mexico City – 600 miles to the northwest o the country. Eyewitnesses spoke of people running all over the place and screaming

President Otto Perez Molina visited one of the worst hit areas to see how emergency works were going to restore power and water to people, saying it's a massive government priority right now. Around 50,000 indigenous farmers and ranchers - many belonging to the Mam ethnic group - live in the San Marcos region.

Through the night and into the morning brave rescuers dealing with bodies they've recovered but the five aftershocks mean their efforts were being hampered. Some 2,000 soldiers have been drafted in and a plane's already made two trips to drop off relief teams. The president's declared a state of emergency and urged people to stay put and wait for help, and stay outside and away from tall buildings. 150 people are reported injured so far and are being treated in local hospitals. The country's Minister of Communications and Infrastructure says landslides have blocked several highways in the west of the country, and it would take at least 24 hours to re-establish transport links to San Marcos.

Written and presented by Marverine Cole.