By Hiran Priankara   

A large number of motor vehicles affected by floods on the Puttalam- Colombo highway had developed engine trouble and had been stalled in Palaviya and Nagavilluwa for about 16 hours yesterday .   

The road was found submerged in three feet  water at the Palaviya and Nagavilluwa areas.   

Puttlam Police said thousands of travellers including children who were stranded found shelter in safer locations until the floods subsided. The vehicles that broke down had lined up to a distance of several miles.