LONG BEACH -- Ari Linden and his friends often take the train to get to classes at Carlos III University in Madrid, Spain, or wherever they need to go.

Luckily, the Long Beach resident was not on board Thursday morning, when 10 bombs ripped through the train system during the rush hour commute, killing at least 190 people and injuring more than 1,200 others.

Ari called his father in Long Beach, waking him at 4:30 a.m. Thursday, and surprised him with the news of the bombings. The UC Berkeley student arrived in Spain about a month ago to study Spanish history and culture this spring.

"I was relieved he called; he's fine,' said Jim Linden, a Long Beach psychologist and retired professor. "He left a message to let me know he was OK, but it took me 20 to 30 minutes to call him back because the lines were busy.

"It's very scary. You feel very vulnerable. ... It's been 2 years (since) 9/11. It's a deja vu effect of what we all went through. You can't believe it's happening. What a horrible way to make a political statement.'

Linden was fortunate to reach his son. Many in Southern California had difficulty getting in touch with loved ones living or visiting in Madrid.

Los Angeles resident Maria Del Mar Torres works at an office of the Consulate General of Spain.

"It took me the whole night to get a hold of my sister,' Torres said. "The networks were very busy. And one colleague didn't show up for work in Madrid this morning. We've been trying to contact him, but we haven't reached him.'

A total of 320 Spaniards are teaching in California, many of them in Compton, Lynwood and Long Beach, Torres said. A silent demonstration will take place at noon today in front of the consulate office at 5055 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles.

"It is hard to find a reason for this,' Torres said. "They weren't officials. Most of them were civilians, workers and students going to their jobs and schools. It's so sad.'

Seven Cal State Long Beach students studying in Madrid were unharmed, said Clara Potes-Fellow, spokeswoman for the California State University Chancellor's Office.

"There are all safe; all CSU students are accounted for,' she said.

At least three Americans were injured, but none reported dead, according to the U.S. Embassy in Spain. Those inquiring about the status of loved ones may contact the U.S. State Department, Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (888) 407-4747 .