The search continues as dozens of people are still unaccounted for after flooding and mudslides struck southwestern Japan, killing more than 150. 

At least 50 people are still missing, many in the Hiroshima area. About 4.72 million people have evacuated their homes as the widespread flooding innundated several towns. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday that the government has expanded the search and rescue effort, dispatching 73,000 troops and emergency responders. 

(MORE: Japan Flooding, Mudslides Kill More than 100; Dozens Still Missing)

"We've never experienced this kind of rain before," a local weather official told BBC.

CNN reported that thousands of homes were damaged due to floods and mudslides and vehicles were carried away by floodwaters as parts of southwestern Japan saw rainfall rates as high as 3 inches per hour. According to CNBC, about 11,200 homes in Hiroshima and other hard-hit areas were without electricity, while others did not have running water as of Monday.

Rain warnings were lifted Monday, and many residents were allowed to return to their homes to begin cleanup.