SAN DIEGO -- As the death toll in China mounts from a massive earthquake, many San Diegans are bracing for the worst.

Some in the local Chinese community were waiting by the phone Monday night.

In China, there are estimates of more than 10,000 dead. It's a growing number that's led to growing anxiety for many San Diegans. Many are desperate for news.

All day Monday, Quentin Tom was on the phone, waiting for word, and fearing what he’ll find out.

“My heart goes fast, right. I’m very nervous, thinking about my aunt and my family,” said Tom.

He told 10News his 93-year-old aunt lives near the epicenter of the mammoth quake in the city of Chengdu.

It was home to buildings like a high school which collapsed, trapping 900 students in the rubble.

A Clairemont resident, Tom said the images are what stand out.

“I just don't know what happened to them. I hope they’re alright, that's what I hope,” said Tom.

“I've been worried all day,” said another San Diegan Wendy Zeng.

She said working Monday at a restaurant in San Diego had been difficult, because she couldn't get through to her little brother in China.

Monday night, she got the good news.

“My family's okay. I got the call. He's okay. His home was shaking, but I'm so happy, he's okay," said Weng.

It's the type of news, another San Diegan desperately hopes for. But his night of waiting led to no answers.

“I can't get through the line! I just pray for them, pray that they are okay,” said Tom.