YANGON, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar Vice President U Henry Van Thio has called for setting up a coordinating body to speed up the rehabilitation in flood-affected regions and identify disaster-affected areas, Myanmar News Agency reported Thursday.

U Henry Van Thio, who chairs the National Natural Disaster Management Committee, urged for identifying a region as disaster-affected in accordance with existing laws and bylaws.

The committee is performing protection, search and rescue operation, aid and rehabilitation procedures.

For the past several weeks, heavy floods have occurred, causing hazardous situation throughout the affected states and regions, especially in Tanintharyi, Kayin, Mon, Bago and Magway.

Triggered by heavy rainfall, the severe flooding has killed at least 12 people in southern part of Myanmar, forcing 132,972 people to displace.

The affected people are being evacuated to 300 temporary camps.

Due to torrential downpour and strong wind, houses, bridges and roads were destroyed in low-lying areas.