The officials said on Thursday that the number of dead from Sunday’s attack now stands at 186, with around 20 people still missing.
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As a result, outpourings of grief don’t always align with death tolls.
In a statement issued on Thursday, health minister Adila Hamoud said the identities of 177 people killed in the bombing have yet to be determined, while 115 bodies have been handed over to families.
The area in the capital’s Karrada district was crowded with people shopping ahead of the holiday marking the end of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
According to Hamoud, another 200 people were injured by the blast, responsibility for which was claimed by the Daesh terrorist group.
The attacks come at the same time coalition-backed local forces have made gains against the jihadists, including last month’s recapture of Fallujah. At least 190 people were wounded, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to reporters.
The Iraqi community in Auckland is holding a candlelight vigil for the victims of an ISIS attack in Baghdad on Sunday and are calling for the Sky Tower to be lit up in remembrance for those who died as well.
The blast has deepened anger among many Iraqis over the perceived failure of security forces in the battle against the militant group.
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Hundreds turned out in Auckland on Wednesday night to remember the victims of the Baghdad bombing carried out by Islamic State.
