KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Coordination among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is more important than ever to ensure rapid humanitarian relief and disaster response efforts, speakers at a forum here said on Monday. The increasing frequency of natural disasters, climate emergencies and the sudden outbreak of conflicts requires foresight, compassion and a strong commitment to mitigate human suffering and aid recovery efforts in order to contain the effects of such disasters and ensure sustainable and dignified growth, according to speakers at the inaugural Southeast Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Humanitarian Forum. "Southeast Asia is no stranger to humanitarian pressures. Meanwhile, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) regional director for Asia-Pacific Alexander Matheou noted that of the 20 to 30 biggest natural and humanitarian disasters worldwide, Asia continues to be particularly hard hit, especially in states like Afghanistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. "In Southeast Asia alone, disasters cause over 86 billion U.S. dollars in losses each year, underscoring the urgent need to prepare before crises occur.