Luke 8:34 “When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country.”
This verse is simply reporting the result of the pigs being drowned. Of course the guys tending these pigs were quite upset. This was their livelihood. But more than that, they were scared. This region, though surely inhabited by Jews, was largely pagan. This helps explain the presence of the pigs. Superstition was the religion of virtually all pagan culture. This death of the pigs was surely an omen of some kind in their minds and the people of the region were immediately afraid. Thus, it was a society motivated by fear.
This type of fear motivation is still common today. In the absence of other good motives, fear will find its place. Fallen human nature tends to take this as the default.
Heavenly Father, deliver us from fear! May our hearts be motivated only by Your amazing glory. To know You is the best motive anyone could hope to have. You are worth knowing and loving and seeking. You alone are a good goal for our existence. You have made us to need You and want You. You have given us the desire for Your truth. Without You we would always live in fear. Thank You for Your love. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.