This is the terrifying moment Bulusan Volcano erupted in the Philippines this morning, sending a towering smoke column over homes.

Video shows the restive volcano belching a 14,800ft (4,500m) bent ash column, sparking alarm among residents in Sorsogon province on April 28.

Philippine seismological agency PHIVOLCS said Mount Bulusan had a phreatic or steam-driven eruption at 4:36 am local time, which lasted 24 minutes.

The agency said: 'Prior to the eruption, 53 volcanic earthquakes were recorded over the 24-hour period yesterday. Rumbling sounds were reported by local government officials approximately 15 minutes before the eruption and were recorded by infrasound sensors.'

The alert status has been raised from Alert Level 0 to 1 at Mount Bulusan, signaling low-level unrest with more possible phreatic eruptions.

Locals were warned not to enter the 2.5 mile (4km) radius of the volcano's permanent danger zone.