More bodies have been found near the ash-covered summit of a Japanese volcano as searches resumed amid concern of toxic gas and another eruption.

Increased seismic activity has raised concerns about the possibility of another eruption at a Japanese volcano where 36 people were killed last week, forcing rescuers to suspend plans to try to recover at least two dozen bodies near the summit.

Toxic gases and ash have forced recovery teams to suspend their search at the still-erupting Mount Ontake volcano.