File Photo: A car leans against a building, the result of the immense and sudden floods that hit Mandra, a town near Athens, 2017. AP
The victim, a man in his fifties, had become trapped in his car as the rains began to fall on the southern Greek island, a popular holiday destination.
Local media reported extensive damage in seaside villages, where streets have become rivers carrying away everything in their path.
According to emergency services, a woman was slightly injured when she too became trapped in a car.
At least nine vehicles surrounded by water still need to be rescued.
Eight tourists and a security guard were also stranded in the Archaeological Museum in the coastal resort town of Sitia.
The mayor of Sitia told the Skai TV channel, "The situation was out of control and the (weather) phenomena in the region were exceptional."
Scientists say human-induced climate change is amplifying extreme weather -- including the floods, heatwaves, droughts seen in several parts of the planet -- and say these events will become more frequent and more intense.
A senior official for the Heraklion region, Nikos Syrigonakis, urged residents to limit their movements.
"This is a difficult day," he added.
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