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Khader Rashu, the mayor of Qahataniya, said there was little hope of finding any survivors. "We are facing some difficulties in removing the debris because there are some concrete blocks that need to be broken up," he said.

Iraqi officials said that no suspects had been arrested. Sunni extremists, who have been warring with Kurds in the northern cities of Mosul and Kirkuk, are believed to be responsible for the attack.

For now, the Iraqi and international effort remains focused on helping the grieving, the wounded and the destitute. American troops have helped distribute water and other emergency supplies. Hakki of the Red Crescent Society said at least three trucks full of aid came from the Turkish government. At least nine trucks brought supplies from the Red Crescent society, carrying basic equipment.

"We supplied tents," he said. "We supplied kitchen utensils."

The Iraqi government, meanwhile, has distributed $1,600 payments to more than 300 families of those killed, according to local government officials.

Fuel on the fire

Few residents or local leaders, however, seemed to think it was enough.

Yazidis from across the north, where the minority sect is most concentrated, said they feared that their community of several hundred thousand might not recover.

"I've lost 32 people from the families of my five brothers and four sisters," said Rasheed Muhsin Khesru, 59, a Yazidi from Kirkuk.

Others said the attack would only accelerate Iraq's already dizzying level of violence.

"In a few days, 10,000 of our men will be ready to protect our areas," said Kheder Aziz, who was sobbing on a street in Kirkuk. "All the Sunni Arab tribes living around us are responsible either because they helped with the attack or knew what would happen."

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