An eruption in a volcano in central Philippines was reported Monday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS).

The explosion was reported at 9:15 a.m., local time. Ash from the steam-triggered eruption hit as high as two kilometers, PHIVOLCS director Renato Solidum said.

Volcanic ash has fallen in the towns of Casiguran and Juban, located at the foot of the volcano. Philippine troops will be evacuating some 1,000 residents from these two towns, according to Lt. Col. Santiago Enginco, commanding officer of the 49th Infantry Battalion.

Mt. Bulusan is the highest peak in Sorsogon and covers a land area of 3,672 hectares. The volcano began spewing ash and steam in December last year.