Koraput: An eight-member elephant herd has triggered panic among residents of several villages in Rayagada district along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, with the animals moving close to human habitations in search of food and water. The herd, which reportedly entered from the Veeragottam reserve forest area in Andhra Pradesh a few days ago, has been spotted near Empalabalsa, Kereda, Anija, Pudheshu and Boruhalua villages under Rayagada block. The elephants have been moving along the Nagavali river and crossing between the two states.Villagers said the herd crossed Komarada and Kotu villages early on Monday and moved towards Odisha. The elephants were also seen playing in the Nagavali river and roaming through agricultural fields in search of food. The herd has reportedly damaged crops in several villages on both sides of the border. “We are frightened because the elephants are moving very close to our villages. They are entering agricultural fields and damaging crops. People are afraid to venture out, particularly during the early morning and evening,” said Venkat Rao, a resident of Kerada.Another villager said, “We are keeping a close watch on the movement of the elephants and warning others not to go near them. The forest department should take immediate steps to prevent the herd from entering the villages. Following the reports, forest officials from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have launched joint patrolling to monitor the movement of the herd and prevent any untoward incident. Power supply has also reportedly been disconnected in some villages in both states as a precautionary measure.Forest range officer, Rayagada, Anil Panigrahi said forest department personnel had been deployed in the area and efforts were underway to drive the elephants away from human habitations. After receiving information about the elephant herd, our staff have been deployed in the field. “We are closely monitoring its movement and taking steps to drive the elephants away from the villages. The villagers have also been urged not to disturb the animals,” Panigrahi said. There have been no reports of any damage to property or injury to anyone so far, he added.