Floods inundate India's northeast

The swollen Brahmaputra River in India's northeastern Assam state tears at its banks.

Thirteen districts have been drenched by prolonged downpours, swelling rivers to dangerously high levels.

In low lying areas, many residents have been trapped by rising floodwaters -- with rescue efforts hampered by the heavy rains.

This year's monsoon has already caused extensive damage to property and agricultural land.

While monsoons are vital to the region's agriculture-dependent economy, they often leave behind a trail of destruction.