Bhubaneswar, Aug. 20: Sundargarh MLA Yogesh Singh took part in a jumbo-drive throughout the night to instil confidence in panicked villagers following an attack by elephants.

Two herds of elephants have made life miserable for villagers in the district. In the past week and a half, the herds have destroyed several houses and also damaged standing crops, including paddy.

Last night, Singh assisted the squad, consisting of volunteers and forest officials, in driving away a herd under the Himgiri forest range, 80km from Rourkela.

"The elephants have damaged properties and crops. I am here to instil confidence among the villagers that the administration and the forest department are with them," Singh said.

Singh said he would take up the issue at the appropriate forum. "It was a distressing site to see such widespread loss," the MLA said.

A few days ago, the same herd had struck Badgaon and destroyed around 10 houses. This herd has been staying in the area and is constantly on the move. "This is the same herd that lost a calf after it was hit by a train a few days ago," said Sundargarh divisional forest officer Arun Kumar Mishra.

"This herd is in a rampaging mood after the loss of the calf. They are staying near the railway track where the calf was killed. Sometimes, they are moving into the nearby villages only to return near the track," Mishra said, adding that solar fencing would shortly begin to prevent jumbos from approaching human habitation.

Another herd of 20 elephants have caused panic in the Bonai forest division. On Friday, it destroyed 10 houses and standing crops under the Lahunipara range. A couple of houses were completely destroyed in the attack.

Bonai divisional forest officer Sudhansu S. Khora said: "The affected villagers will get compensation. I am waiting for the final report."

The affected persons will get houses either under the Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana or the Indira Awas Yojana. "Besides, the department will continue with the drive for the safety and security of villagers," he said.