To support its member agencies in improving their response and as part of its public accountability for the use of the funds raised through the Cyclone Idai Appeal, the DEC commissioned an independent real-time response review. The aim of the review was to generate reflection and learning in a participatory manner whilst the project was being implemented. This synthesis report complements the three country reports (Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe) by providing overarching findings and recommendations. It can be read in conjunction with the country reports or as a standalone overview of the DEC members’ response to Cyclone Idai.