Rescue crews are searching for survivors after a powerful earthquake off the Pacific coast of Guatemala.

The 7.4-magnitude quake sent debris crashing down on cars, collapsed roads, and triggered landslides. Shaking from the temblor was felt as far away as Mexico City and El Salvador.

At least 48 people have been confirmed dead and 100 are missing. Dozens were injured.

In the town of Cristobal Cochu firefighters attempted to dig out a family of 10, including a 4-year-old.

"One thing is to hear about what happened and another thing entirely is to see it," said Guatamelan President Otto Perez Molina, who flew to San Marcos to survey the damage.

"As a Guatemalan I feel sad ... to see mothers crying for their lost children," he told The Associated Press.

Molina said the government will pay for the funerals of those killed in the quake.