In an announcement posted on its Web site, Merrill Lynch admits that there may be some casualties among its employees.

According to Registered Rep the statement reads, “We are extremely thankful that virtually all of our 9,000 colleagues in the World Financial Center and other offices in lower Manhattan were safely evacuated.” However, the firm notes that some of its employees ” may have been in harm’s way.” The firm is still trying to account for everyone.

To provide assistance for any employee who needs it, Merrill has established a 24-hour human relations information hotline at 877/637-9040. It says that it is unable to estimate when we might be able to resume some limited, critical activities in the affected buildings, and it continues to implement contingency plans at alternative locations. “Through the extraordinary efforts of many Merrill Lynch colleagues, we’ve been able to establish alternative trading sites, mainly in New Jersey. Affected employees will receive more information about alternative work sites as it becomes available.”

The firm is urging investors not make to make emotional decisions based on events but should take a more measured, long-term view. “For the near term, these events could contribute to softness in the economy and markets. However, the Federal Reserve Board — already in an easing cycle — will continue to be accommodative and ready to provide liquidity, if needed, to the financial markets. Looking beyond the next few months, this event does not change our expectation for a meaningful economic recovery and stronger markets in 2002.”