World News: Four dead in Australia after torrential rain ravages rural towns

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe.

In Australia, severe flooding across New South Wales has resulted in at least four deaths and left more than 50,000 residents under evacuation warnings. Reports say around four months of rain has fallen in the region over the past two days.

New South Wales Police said Thursday that at least four people died and tens of thousands of residents have become isolated in a "once in a lifetime event."

A slow-moving low-pressure system led to torrential rains and flash flooding over eastern Australia, overflowing rivers and inundating communities. A major river in Taree, a city on the Mid North Coast, has been among the worst affected, reaching about 6.3 meters on Wednesday, Wednesday, surpassing a century-old record. Towns including Port Macquarie and Kempsey have also been severely affected, with some areas experiencing flooding for the first time in recorded history. Emergency services have conducted hundreds of rescues, and over 140 flood warnings have been issued. While more rain is expected in the coming days, some 9,500 properties have been directly impacted and over 100 schools have been closed.

Iran's Foreign Minister has issued a warning Israel and the United States, saying that any attack on its nuclear facilities would be met with a decisive response.

This comes amid reports that suggest Israel is preparing for potential strikes if ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations fail.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday, that Iran would hold the United States legally responsible for any Israeli attack on its nuclear sites.

These words were delivered through a letter addressed to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

He added Tehran would view Washington as a "participant" if any Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities were to occur and that Iran's actions will "correspond and be proportionate to preventive measures" taken by international bodies.

Earlier reports indicate that Israel is preparing for rapid strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, should the current negotiations, a fifth round of which are slated for Friday in Rome, were to fail.

Israeli officials have not confirmed such plans, but have previously stated that Iran's nuclear program poses an existential threat.

A U.S. music talent agency said Thursday that three of its employees died after a small private plane, in which they were traveling, crashed into a residential area in the city of San Diego in the early hours of the same day.

According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration 6 passengers were onboard the plane, with some reports indicating there have been no survivors.

Among them are the former drummer of a metal band, Daniel Williams, and music agent Dave Shapiro.

Eight people on the ground have also been injured.

Authorities say the incident occurred amid dense fog conditions, as the aircraft was attempting to land at nearby Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.

Multiple homes have caught fire due to the crash, and nearly 100 residents have been evacuated.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.

Also in the United States, Universal Orlando Resort has officially opened its highly anticipated theme park, Epic Universe, in Florida on Thursday.

This marks the first major theme park launch in the U.S. in over two decades.

Spanning approximately 750 acres, Epic Universe introduces five themed lands, including Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter -Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon -Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.

Also, along with over 100 themed food menus and beverage options, Epic Universe's opening is expected to significantly boost tourism in Central Florida.

Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.