The payload can be something alarming, out East (7)

I believe the answer is:

freight

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'the payload' is the definition.
('freight' can be a synonym of 'payload')

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for freight that I've seen before include "Something carried" , "Charge for carrying" , "Transport of bulk goods" , "Commercial transport" , "Cargo, goods transported" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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