The American community in Hong Kong was in mourning yesterday as it waited for news of family and friends.
But like many around the world, no one in the SAR really seemed to know what fate had befallen their loved ones.
American Women's Association of Hong Kong president Cheryl Duysen said they had received several calls from people who were waiting to hear the fate of those who worked at the World Trade Centre.
'There are so many expatriates who work in the banking industry here, and the trade centre is heavily connected with this work,' she said.
'I think the people who are calling our office are looking for a way to help out the people in New York and Washington, but we don't have any information on Hong Kong people there.
'All Americans have been terribly shaken. When private citizens are the ones attacked it's horrific.'
Cardinal John Bishop Wu appealed to people to offer special prayers for victims and their families.