Marauding elephants have created panic in villages under Rengali forest range of the district, for the last couple of days.
Reports said at least 70 elephants have strayed into area from neighbouring Bamra Wildlife Division and destroyed standing crops over 200 acres.
Admitting to the presence of the herd, Rengali Range Officer Anand Patel said all attempts to chase the elephants away have so far failed.
Berhampur: Villagers of Soroda and Jaganathprasad blocks are having a harrowing time with elephant herds creating menace in the region. A herd of 10 elephants had reportedly destroyed crops in Baniapalli, Hajapalli, Balimala, Agulapada and Raipalli.
Similarly, another herd destroyed cashewnut plantation at Gajalbadi in Soroda block.
The officials of North Ghumusur Forest Division reached the affected villages and tried to chase away the herds. They also provided the forest protection samiti with fireworks to keep the elephants away from the paddy fields.