The swollen Brahmaputra River in India's northeastern Assam state tears at its banks.<br/> <br />Thirteen districts have been drenched by prolonged downpours, swelling rivers to dangerously high levels.<br/> <br />In low lying areas, many residents have been trapped by rising floodwaters -- with rescue efforts hampered by the heavy rains.<br/> <br />This year's monsoon has already caused extensive damage to property and agricultural land.<br/> <br />While monsoons are vital to the region's agriculture-dependent economy, they often leave behind a trail of destruction.
