A significant​ earthquake ⁣measuring 6.9 ⁣on the Richter scale struck near the coastal areas⁢ of‍ papua⁤ New Guinea earlier today, prompting authorities to​ issue‍ a tsunami alert for vulnerable regions.‍ Residents in coastal towns are advised to evacuate to higher ground⁢ as a precautionary measure. The tremor, which⁢ occurred at a ⁤depth of roughly 30…