GIYANI - Roads swept away, bridges no longer standing, and communities cut off from their economic lifelines and daily routines.
This is the image that Limpopo Premier, Phophi Ramathuba, has painted as the province battles continued ravaging downpours.
In the midst of the havoc, nine people lost their lives, with seven from December and two since 1 January.
Among those who died was a five-year-old whose parents could not save him.
READ | Disaster teams deployed as floods batter Limpopo, Mpumalanga
The wet conditions have been ongoing, but conditions began to worsen on Monday when the South African Weather Service issued a Level 5 warning that several parts of the country should brace for severe weather.
Among those provinces on the notice were Gauteng, Free State, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
These conditions would see heavy rains and thunderstorms resulting in flooding, road closures and low-lying settlements.
READ | Heavy downpours forecast for Limpopo and Mpumalanga
Residents were warned to be on high alert, stay indoors and take precautions.
By Wednesday in Mpumalanga, the situation had intensified.
In Mpumalanga, teaching and learning in flood-stricken areas had to be suspended, while in Limpopo government urged flood-struck regions not to open schools if it's not safe.
The week saw no improvement. As heavy rains continued to lash through the provinces.
READ | Schools closed as severe weather batters Mpumalanga, Limpopo
According to Ramathuba other disruptions were witnessed on water and electricity infrastructure, causing consternation amongst our communities.
Schools have also been destroyed, while health facilities were crippled. Scores of families are displaced.
Further reports on the disruption painted a harrowing picture of national and provincial roads.
Ramathuba says in total, at least 439 roads have been critically damaged, adding to the burden of motorists having to commute in and around the province.
The Premier says assessment work in vital areas will be done, but the process will not be easy.
This is because there are areas which are difficult to access due to the extent of the damage.
Multi-disciplinary teams have since been deployed in Limpopo and Mpumalanga as disruptive rainfall continues.
At the same time, disaster management teams are racing against time to rescue stranded residents amid widespread flooding and infrastructure damage.
A Red Level 10 warning remains in place for both provinces as heavy rains persist.