Now, such teams are also called out for hazardous material accidents, weapons of mass destruction and wide-area searches.

CNN: The brotherhood of Disaster City

Local councillor Wyn Evans told the BBC melting snow and torrential rain had caused "severe flooding and destruction" in the area.

BBC: Flood fears as snow turns to rain and temperatures rise

There has long been opposition to the prospect of a gold mine and processing plant being built at Skouries in the Halkidiki peninsula, with some residents objecting to what they say will be the destruction of the environment and of pristine forest in the area, leading to the loss of tourism and other local activities such as farming, the rearing of livestock and fishing.

NPR: Masked Intruders Raid Greek Gold Mining Company

By Sunday, when government officials finally felt safe enough to see the destruction, homes, businesses and vehicles were burned throughout the area.

NPR: Officials: At Least 185 Killed In Nigeria Attack

As everyone now knows, Hurricane Sandy pummeled New York City and much of the mid-coastal area this past weekend and left a path of destruction that is still being assessed at this very moment.

FORBES: Veterans Respond to Hurricane Sandy with Team Rubicon

Area residents, too afraid to try to stop the destruction, simply watched, he said.

CNN: Mali Islamists destroy tombs in Timbuktu

Police said a vehicle may have caused the destruction at the site in Longden Road although there was no vehicular access in that area.

BBC: Shrewsbury Cemetery graves extensively damaged

"An area the size of Wales is frequently used to measure the rate of forest destruction around the world, " said Size of Wales project manager, Hannah Scrase.

BBC: Prince launching 'Size of Wales' project in Llanarthne