Family members of those still reported missing, amid the ruins of the deadliest earthquake to hit Ecuador in nearly three decades, are growing more fearful that time for any rescue effort may be running out.

Even with the death count from the recent 7.8-magnitude quake now topping 400, rescuers remain diligent, desperately combing the streets of the shell-shocked region in hopes of pulling off more of the miracle like rescues witnessed over just the last several hours.

A man described as in his mid-30s was pulled from the mounds of rubble after he somehow managed to use his cellphone to phone his mom and alert her that he was still alive.

Injury Toll Also Growing

More than 2,500 people have also been reported injured in the catastrophe, with some of the hardest hits coming on the coastal island of Manabi Province where roughly 200 people were reported to have perished.

"It was something very ugly," said Ricardo Penaherrera, a spokesperson with Ecuador's national emergency management office. "We thought it was the end of the world."

The Ecuadorian government has now deployed 10,000 soldiers and nearly 5,000 officers to the region. Among their first order of business was setting up mobile hospitals and a fleet of temporary shelters.

Military members have also brought in search dogs to help find survivors and to retrieve the remains of those who have already perished.

Getting Help to Impacted Areas a Huge Challenge

Meanwhile, getting supplies and rescue workers to needed areas has proven to be among the greatest challenges.

"The lack of water and communication remains a big problem," said Peñaherrera. "Many highways are in bad shape, especially in the mountainous area."

Still, aid has started to pour in from around the globe. Mexico, Spain, Colombia, Chile, Venezuela and Peru are among the countries that have sent rescuers and aid. The United Nations also announced it plans a "major aid airlift," joining the many private organizations that have also committed to assisting.

Ecuador President Rafael Correa arrived on the scene soon after word of the tragedy began to spread, cutting short a visit he had made to a Vatican conference.

"I have infinite gratitude to the spirit of the Ecuadorian people, of our firefighters, our soldiers, our policemen and all workers who haven't slept, haven't eaten as they work hard to save lives," he said.

In all, six of the country's provinces remain under a state of emergency. Pope Francis has joined the many dignitaries across the world in expressing sympathy for the victims and prayer for a full recovery.

"Last night a violent earthquake hit Ecuador, causing numerous victims and great damages," he said. "Let's pray for those populations, and for those of Japan, where as well there has been some earthquakes in the last days."

For those interested in helping a number of organizations are accepting donations, including:

The American Red Cross

UNICEF

Oxfam International

Global Shapers Quito

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