Booming sounds accompanied two ash explosions from the 1,565-metre (5,135-foot) Bulusan volcano on Tuesday, showering nearby communities with grey ash, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in an advisory.

"Civic aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano's summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazard to aircraft," it added.

Bulusan, 250 kilometres (160 miles) southeast of the capital Manila on the main island of Luzon, is one of the country's 23 active volcanoes.

People living near streams and valleys in the area were warned that mudflows of volcanic ash could be triggered by heavy rainfall.

The government has not ordered any evacuation, but said up to 75,000 people from the nearby towns of Irosin and Juban could be at risk if the currently mild eruption increases.

Bulusan has erupted 16 times in recorded history, the last time in 2006. It began emitting ash again from November 6.

The Philippines is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire where frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes take place.

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