Miyun (China) (AFP) – Beijing lifted a severe weather alert on Tuesday but warned residents to stay vigilant against natural disasters after authorities evacuated more than 82,000 people over fears of deadly floods in the Chinese capital.

The municipal weather office had imposed a red rainstorm warning – the highest in a four-tier system – on Monday, forecasting heavy downpours until Tuesday morning.

The office lifted the alert early Tuesday morning, saying in a social media statement the weather system had weakened as it drifted eastwards.

But it continued to warn of isolated downpours across outlying parts of the city, adding that people “must not let up after strong rains have passed” as landslides or other disasters may follow.

Authorities evacuated over 82,000 people at risk from heavy rainfall as of Monday evening, state news agency Xinhua said, citing the city’s flood control headquarters. It was unclear when they may return.

Officials warned of flooding risks in the northeastern suburb of Miyun – the hardest hit by the recent deluge – as well as southwestern Fangshan, western Mentougou and northern Huairou.

In Miyun, where dozens died last week, most of the recent floodwater had receded on Tuesday – leaving behind a trail of debris including tree branches and piles of bricks.

AFP reporters saw dented cars, toppled tractors and household items like strollers and luggages strewn across the muddy ground.

Twisted metal railings and slanted utility poles still lined the roadside as workers in neon yellow vests and wearing hard hats worked to clear the wreckage.

Nearby, trees had been uprooted, lying in a river gushing with murky brown water.