Two of Atsu's former clubs, Newcastle and Bournemouth, will lock horns in the Premier League on Saturday.
Atsu had a loan spell under Howe at Bournemouth from Chelsea during the 2015/2016 season while the Ghanaian played a key role in Newcastle returning to the top flight from the Championship in 2017.
Atsu is yet to be found since a 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Turkey and Syria on Monday.
More than 22,000 people have died so far as rescue efforts continue.
Senior Hatayspor officials reported on Tuesday that Atsu had been pulled out from the wreckage alive and injured only to backtrack on those claims a day later.
Whatever the situation, Howe hopes a positive outcome will emanate from the difficult situation.
"It's hugely worrying," Howe said ahead of returning to the Vitality Stadium for the first since his departure.
"I really, really enjoyed working with Christian, a great lad, great player. Our thoughts are with him and his family.
"We hope for some good news, we hope he's okay, but we're really concerned for him and his welfare this week.
"It has been difficult because there have been conflicting stories coming out about his whereabouts, so it's been very tough. I can't imagine how his family are feeling.
"But from the bottom of our hearts, we wish him well and hope there's a positive ending."
Atsu has been capped 65 times for Ghana and named player of the tournament at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 31-year-old scored a 90th minute winner for Hatayspor against Kasimpasa on Sunday.
